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Schumm YR, Masello JF, Vreugdenhil-Rowlands J, Fischer D, Hillerich K, Quillfeldt P. Diet composition of wild columbiform birds: next-generation sequencing of plant and metazoan DNA in faecal samples. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2023; 110:38. [PMID: 37480393 PMCID: PMC10363069 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01863-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Accurate knowledge of a species' diets is fundamental to understand their ecological requirements. Next-generation sequencing technology has become a powerful and non-invasive tool for diet reconstruction through DNA metabarcoding. Here, we applied those methods on faecal samples of Common Woodpigeons Columba palumbus, European Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur, and Stock Doves C. oenas to investigate their dietary composition. By applying primer pairs targeting both the ITS2 region of plant nuclear DNA and the mitochondrial COI region of metazoan DNA, we provide a complete picture of the food ingested and estimate the dietary overlap between the columbiform species during the breeding season. Animal DNA was present very rarely, and a diverse range of plants from the class Spermatopsida dominated the diet, with Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae as the most frequently represented families. Generally, we detected a variability between species but also amongst individual samples. Plant species already known from previous studies, mainly visual analyses, could be confirmed for our individuals sampled in Germany and the Netherlands. Our molecular approach revealed new plant taxa, e.g. plants of the families Malvaceae for Woodpigeons, Lythraceae for Turtle Doves, and Pinaceae for Stock Doves, not found in previous studies using visual analyses. Although most of the plant species observed were of wild origin, the majority of cultivated plants found were present in higher frequencies of occurrence, suggesting that cultivated food items likely constitute an important part of the diet of the studied species. For Turtle Doves, a comparison with previous studies suggested regional differences, and that food items (historically) considered as important part of their diet, such as Fumitory Fumaria sp. and Chickweed Stellaria media, were missing in our samples. This indicates that regional variations as well as historic and current data on diet should be considered to plan tailored seed mixtures, which are currently proposed as an important management measure for conservation of the rapidly declining Turtle Dove.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne R Schumm
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Juan F Masello
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Dominik Fischer
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Veterinary Faculty, Justus Liebig University, Frankfurter Strasse 114, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Zoo Wuppertal, Hubertusallee 30, 42117, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Petra Quillfeldt
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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Mansouri I, Squalli W, Nefla A, Mounir M, Achiban H, Abdelwahab C, Hmidani M, El Ghadraoui L, Dakki M. Timing of migration dates and detection of first wintering sites for the Turtle Dove in Northwest Africa. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Mansouri
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Fez Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Fez Morocco
| | - Wafae Squalli
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Fez Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Fez Morocco
| | - Aymen Nefla
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis University Tunis El Manar Tunis Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Mounir
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorisation of phytogénétics Ressources, Faculty of Sciences and Technics Sultan Moulay Sliman university Beni Mellal Morocco
| | - Hamid Achiban
- Laboratory of Geo‐environmental, Analysis Planing‐Sustainable Development, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz USMBA Fez Morocco
| | - Chedad Abdelwahab
- Directorate of Forest Conservation of Ghardaïa (General Directorate of Forestry) Ghardaïa Algeria
- Laboratory of Saharan Bio‐Resources Preservation and Valorisation Ouargla University Ouargla Algeria
| | - Mohammed Hmidani
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Fez Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Fez Morocco
| | - Lahsen El Ghadraoui
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Fez Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Fez Morocco
| | - Mohamed Dakki
- Scientific Institute (Mohammed V University of Rabat) Rabat Morocco
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Squalli W, Wink M, Mansouri I, Fadil F, Dakki M. High density and successful breeding of Turtle doves Streptopelia turtur in Moroccan olive groves. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14375. [PMID: 36389432 PMCID: PMC9661970 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The turtle dove is a migratory species that has suffered a rapid decline principally across its Northern ranges, despite pronounced conservation measures. Consequently, it has been categorized as 'Near Threatened' in Europe. Degradation of breeding habitats and a decrease in food resources are listed as principal causes of this decline. Despite its importance, the productivity of the North African population is widely unknown. Here we present the first estimation of the density of the breeding population and the superior reproductively of Streptopelia turtur arenicola in Morocco and entire North Africa. Methods This study was carried out for two seasons 2018-2019 in the Saïss plain, central Morocco. Based on previous data, doves were monitored weekly, from early March to late August, in aquatic ecosystems (two dams and one river) and farmlands (cereals and orchards). The breeding population was censused using the "point-count" method, following a walked transect of 5 km in orchards, 7 km in cereal fields, and 3 km along the river. Equally, nests were searched in natural habitats counting riparian trees, forests, and ornamental trees, and in orchards based on the Common Birds Census (CBC) methodology, in which the singing doves, mating pairs, nesting, and/or feeding behavior were the most monitored signs to discover nests. In orchards, nests were searched line-by-line based on the rows of fruit trees. For each recorded nest, we note the breeding chronology, clutch size and incubation period, success and failure factors, dimensions, and vertical placement on trees. To evaluate the predictors of doves' occurrence, we noted at each site the presence of cereals, water, human disturbance, presence of nesting trees, and predators. Results and Discussion In total, 3,580 turtle doves (22.37 birds/ha), including 240 breeding pairs, were documented. Nesting occurred mainly in olive groves, cereals were used for forage, and aquatic ecosystems for water sources. The nesting period lasted from late April to July (last fledglings). All nests were located on olive trees at a height of 225.30 ± 48.87 cm. The clutch size was 1.98 ± 0.13 (laid eggs/built nests), the incubation period lasted 14.16 ± 1.32 days, and the rearing period lasted 16.54 ± 1.76 days. The breeding success among the 240 monitored nests accounted for 73.84% during the nesting phase and 87.42% during the incubation phase; 71.5%% of nestlings have fledged, which is the highest success rate for turtle doves in Europe and Northwest Africa. Clutches were aborted mostly due to predation from snakes (7.5% of nests, 16.12% of eggs, and 5.63% of chicks), nest desertion (9.16% of nests and 5.37% of eggs), and marginally by the destruction of nests through farming activities. These findings are important for conservation plans, to restore turtle doves' habitats in Europe, where the species is widely declining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafae Squalli
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Fez, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
| | - Michael Wink
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany, Germany, Germany
| | - Ismail Mansouri
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Fez, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
| | - Fatima Fadil
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Fez, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Dakki
- Study Centre of Bird Migration, Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Scientific Institute, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco, Rabat, Morocco
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Diversity of Avian Species in Peri-Urban Landscapes Surrounding Fez in Morocco: Species Richness, Breeding Populations, and Evaluation of Menacing Factors. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14110945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the avian diversity and threatening factors in five peri-urban sites around Fez city (Morocco) for 2 years (2018–2019). The study hosted 131 avian species, including 64.88% breeding species, 19.84% migrant winterers, and 11.45% migrant breeders. Five species of conservation concern such as the vulnerable European turtle dove and the European goldfinch, the near-threatened ferruginous duck and bar-tailed godwit, and the endangered white-headed duck were recorded. Most bird species were recorded at the Oued Fez River (26.89%) and the El Mehraz dam (25%), followed by the El Gaada dam (17.4%), the Ain Bida garbage dump (15.5%), and the Ain Chkef Forest (15.18%). About 44.44% of the breeding species were found at Oued Fez, along with 33.33% at the El Mehraz dam, while El Gâada, Ain Chkef, and Ain Bida hosted only 7.40% of species. An important breeding population of the endangered white-headed duck was recorded at El Mehraz and Oued Fez. The extension of farmlands, urbanization, touristic activities, and drought constitute the most menacing factors for the avian diversity and their habitats in Fez.
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Mansouri I, Dakki M, Squalli W, Achiban H, Mounir M, El Ghadraoui L. Wildlife‐vehicle collisions in Moroccan Atlantic Sahara: Impact on resident species and Afro‐Palearctic birds for conservation purposes. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Mansouri
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Genie of Environment Faculty of sciences and technology USMBA Fez Morocco
| | - Mohamed Dakki
- Laboratoire de Géo‐biodiversité et Patrimoine Naturel Scientific Institute (Mohammed V Univ.) Rabat Morocco
| | - Wafae Squalli
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Genie of Environment Faculty of sciences and technology USMBA Fez Morocco
| | - Hamid Achiban
- Laboratory of Geo‐environmental Analysis Planning‐Sustainable Development Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz USMBA Fez Morocco
| | - Mohamed Mounir
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorisation of phytogénétics Resources Faculty of Sciences and Technics Sultan Moulay Sliman University Beni mellal Morocco
| | - Lahsen El Ghadraoui
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Genie of Environment Faculty of sciences and technology USMBA Fez Morocco
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A New Feature of Nesting Ecology in the Vulnerable European Turtle Dove: Nest Site and Nesting Tree Sharing with Coexisting Species at Three North African Wetlands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/9922971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Investigations of niche splitting in the European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) have primarily addressed feeding habitats and foraging features and been limited to conspecific species, counting laughing dove and wood pigeon. The recent degradation of natural and suitable habitats for turtle doves, particularly in North Africa, would push this species to refuge in wetlands with a variety of other bird species. The understanding of potential cohabitation between doves and other species in these less disturbed ecosystems would help in the conservation measures of this declining game. This study, conducted from early March to September between 2015 and 2017, attempted to determine which species cohabit with turtle doves in three Northwest African wetlands in Morocco and how these species select nesting sites and trees. We used detrended corresponding analysis (DCA) to test the relevance of nest site and nesting tree variables in the nest distribution of the breeding species. The obtained results show a wide sharing of nest-niche between turtle doves and 7 breeding species, especially at the intermediate zone and downstream of the rivers. The lack of competition for food resources with neighbouring species may help in this harmonious sharing of both nesting sites and nesting trees. We further suggest guidelines for future research that seek to understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of species coexisting with turtle dove in the same habitats.
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Segregation of breeding habitats and feeding resources among five north African game species in Midelt province, Morocco. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00906-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Schumm YR, Metzger B, Neuling E, Austad M, Galea N, Barbara N, Quillfeldt P. Year-round spatial distribution and migration phenology of a rapidly declining trans-Saharan migrant—evidence of winter movements and breeding site fidelity in European turtle doves. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-03082-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Populations of migratory bird species have suffered a sustained and severe decline for several decades. Contrary to non-migratory species, understanding the causal mechanisms proves difficult (for migratory bird species) as underlying processes may operate across broad geographic ranges and stages of the annual cycle. Therefore, the identification of migration routes, wintering grounds, and stopover sites is crucial for the development of relevant conservation strategies for declining migrant bird species. We still lack fundamental data of the non-breeding movements for many migratory species, such as European turtle doves Streptopelia turtur, a trans-Saharan migrant. For this species, knowledge of non-breeding movements is mainly based on ringing data that are limited by a low recovery rate in Africa, and tracking studies with a strong bias towards individuals breeding in France. We used Argos satellite transmitters to obtain detailed year-round tracks and provide new insights on migration strategies and winter quarters, of turtle doves breeding in Central and Eastern Europe. The tracking data along with analysis of land cover data confirm previously assumed use of multiple wintering sites and the use of a wide range of forest and agricultural landscapes at the breeding grounds. Tracking data in combination with environmental parameters demonstrated that most environmental parameters and niche breadth differed between breeding and wintering grounds. “Niche tracking” was only observed regarding night-time temperatures. Furthermore, we provide evidence for breeding site fidelity of adult individuals and for home range size to increase with an increasing proportion of agricultural used areas.
Significance statement
The European turtle dove, a Palearctic-African migrant species, is one of the fastest declining birds in Europe. The rapid decline is presumed to be caused mainly by habitat modification and agricultural changes. Here, we represent data on migration strategies, flyways, and behavior on European breeding and African non-breeding sites of turtle doves breeding in Central and Eastern Europe equipped with satellite transmitters. Our results confirm the use of different migration flyways and reveal an indication for “niche switching” behavior in terms of environmental factors during the different annual phases. The migratory behaviors revealed by the tracking approach, e.g., prolonged stopovers during autumn migration in Europe overlapping with time of hunting activities, stopovers in North Africa during spring migration, or evidence for loop migration, are important protection-relevant findings, particularly for the Central-Eastern flyway, for which no tracking data has been analyzed prior to our study.
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Macro-habitat, micro-habitat segregation and breeding success of the ‘vulnerable’ native European turtle dove and the ‘invasive’ Eurasian collared dove from a North African agricultural area. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00870-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Tellería JL, Carbonell R, Fandos G, Tena E, Onrubia A, Qninba A, Aguirre JI, Hernández-Téllez I, Martín CA, Ramírez Á. Distribution of the European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) at the edge of the South-Western Palaearctic: transboundary differences and conservation prospects. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-020-01414-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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