Factors Influencing Species-Richness of Breeding Waterbirds in Moroccan IBA and Ramsar Wetlands: A Macroecological Approach

摘要: Since 2005, Morocco has designated 28 Important Bird Areas (IBA) and Ramsar wetlands for waterbirds, yet little is known about how waterbird communities are changing over time space, within between sites. We assessed the relationships species numbers of overall breeding as well those Anatidae, Rallidae Podicipedidae, geographical, topographical macrohabitat factors. Species richness waterbirds Anatidae were positively correlated with: (i) extent emergent vegetation, (ii) number plant present, (iii) altitude. was latitude, different beds while that Podicipedidae exclusively with These results suggest waterfowl significantly related to habitat characteristics, most importantly vegetation structure, Our findings give support idea large mountain protected areas provide valuable in this region, by providing larger buffer zones fewer human activities, such hunting, urbanization tourism disturbance. This study provides a platform from which we can advance scientific research on Moroccan IBA wetlands.