Patterns of resource partitioning by nesting herons and ibis: How are odonata exploited?

摘要: Herons and ibis are colonially nesting waders which, owing to their number, mobility trophic role as top predators, play a key in aquatic ecosystems. They also good biological models investigate interspecific competition between sympatric species predation; two processes which structure ecological communities. Odonata numerous, diverse, mobile can an important ecosystems by serving prey for herons ibis. A relationship size bird predator has been observed Numidia wetlands (NE Algeria) after analyzing food boluses regurgitated six of birds (Purple Heron, Black-crowned Night Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Squacco Heron Cattle Egret) during the breeding period, shows temporal gradient species. Both Levins index preliminary multivariate analysis fed nestling ibis, indicated high degree resource overlap. However, distinction based on taxonomy (suborder family) developmental stage (larvae or adults) reveals clear dichotomy with large-sized predators Ibis) preying large preys like Aeshnids Libellulids small-sized feeding mainly small Zygoptera. Overall, utilization suggests pattern segregation coexisting timing reproduction, types, foraging microhabitats.