Abstract:
The Lake Oued Khrouf located in the Oued Righ valley (Algerian Sahara), has welcomed during the wintering
season 11 species of water birds belonging to the family of Anatidae. Quietude seems the most important factor that manages
the distribution of water birds in a site. The open areas and shallower are occupied.
Statistical analysis of these data allowed us to divide the wintering season in three periods, the beginning the
wintering season, the mid-wintering season and the end of the wintering season. Each season has more or less dependent
characteristics, often linked to the biology and ecology of the avian species. The second period, however, is the most
diversified and more equilibrate.
The study of the spatial occupation and habitat use by Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea showed that this species
prefer salt marshes and avoid deep water except in the excessive disturbance.
This shows that the Lake Oued Khrouf have the very important role in the ecology of this species.
