Ornithological characterisation of the natural habitats’s Lake Dayet Er Roumi (Khemisset, Morocco)

Abstract The permanent natural lake located in the Dayet Er-Roumi lake ecosystem (N 33°74’ - W 6°19’) is a Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE) that is unique in a semi-continental region. This site has a distinct sub-humid microclimate, in marked contrast to the vast semi-arid zone that surrounds it. Located 15 kilometres south of the town of Khémisset, the lake is subject to significant human pressure due to its ease of access, its importance to local communities and its significant biological value. The overall aim of this study is to analyse the Dayet Er-Roumi lake ecosystem, focusing on the site’s natural habitats and their interactions with the bird population. The study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the environmental health and biodiversity of the lake, given the significant human pressure exerted on it. The research took place during the 2020-2021 campaign, with regular weekly analyses and observations. Analysis of the ecology of bird populations and their natural environments at Lake Dayet Er-Roumi revealed a gradual deterioration in the natural habitats of the lake system. The latter includes wetland habitats such as surface water, the aquatic bed, emergents, trees and shrubs, woodlands and non-vegetative areas, as well as non-wetland habitats such as agricultural fields and residential areas. This alteration has a negative impact on the distribution of bird populations, whether sedentary or migratory. A total of 45 species were recorded during the study, but it is important to note that 4 of them have a dual status, with the following numbers: sedentary breeders (n=1), sedentary non-breeders (n=19), winterers (n=17), migratory passage birds (n=10), and occasional visitors (n=3).