Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Artur Golawski, Zbigniew Kasprzykowski
Summary: The intensification of farm management practices has led to a reduction in the abundance of many animal species on grasslands, with mowing essential for the existence of farmland meadows causing mortality among animals inhabiting them. Despite the higher energy expenditure on foraging, storks caught more vertebrates on mown meadows compared to unmown ones, likely due to the energy richness of vertebrates. The sequential mowing of semi-natural meadows coinciding with the time when storks are feeding their young may be a key aspect governing the high density of storks in this region.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Joanna T. Bialas, Joachim Siekiera, Artur Siekiera, Wieslaw Chromik, Lukasz Dylewski, Marcin Tobolka
Summary: The study investigates the factors affecting nest-site fidelity of white storks. Results show that age and breeding success increase the probability of reusing nests, but the oldest individuals have a decreased probability. Breeding success increases with age, the number of reproductive events, and presence on the nest in the previous year. However, the oldest individuals have lower breeding success. The number of fledglings is only influenced by an individual's age.
FRONTIERS IN ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Dora Bjedov, Mirna Velki, Lucija Sara Kovacic, Lidija Begovic, Ivan Lesic, Luka Jurinovic, Tibor Mikuska, Mirta Sudaric Bogojevic, Sandra Ecimovic, Alma Mikuska
Summary: The study examined the impact of agricultural practices on biomarker response in white stork nestlings in continental Croatia. Blood samples were collected from a landfill and agricultural areas. The results revealed different biomarker responses depending on the sampling site. The findings suggest the presence of inhibitory pollutants from the landfill and agricultural area, leading to lower cholinesterase activity. Moreover, the study found variations in oxidative stress biomarkers among different study sites.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zuzanna Pestka, Adam Zbyryt, Sebastian Menderski, Dariusz Jakubas
Summary: Due to rapid changes in agricultural practice, traditionally managed farmland has become one of the most endangered habitats in Europe. The white stork, as an indicator of agricultural habitat biodiversity and an umbrella species for organisms associated with agricultural landscapes, relies heavily on suitable foraging conditions. A study conducted in Poland using nest survey data, GIS-data on habitat availability, and modeling techniques reveals that areas characterized by a more traditional model of agriculture are highly suitable for white storks. Landscape composition, rather than distance to foraging habitats, is crucial in choosing breeding sites for white storks.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Dora Bjedov, Alma Mikuska, Carina Lackmann, Lidija Begovic, Tibor Mikuska, Mirna Velki
Summary: This study successfully established protocols for biomarker measurement in plasma and S9 based on variability, enzyme activity, and fluorescence, providing a foundation for better understanding the environmental effects on nestlings' physiological condition.
Article
Ornithology
Sondra Turjeman, Ute Eggers, Shay Rotics, Wolfgang Fiedler, Alejandro Centeno-Cuadros, Michael Kaatz, Damaris Zurell, Florian Jeltsch, Martin Wikelski, Ran Nathan
Summary: Proper estimation of nest-switching behavior requires careful definition and reporting of components, as different methods can lead to a wide range of estimates.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ewa Blonska, Jaroslaw Lasota, Robert Jankowiak, Jakub Michalcewicz, Tadeusz Wojas, Adam Zbyryt, Michal Ciach
Summary: The physiological and behavioral activities of animals, including building nests by large-bodied birds, have significant impacts on the characteristics and functioning of soil. Through the deposition of organic and mineral materials in nests over time, a unique type of soil, referred to as ornithogenic soils, is formed by vertebrates and physically isolated from the ground, hosting a diverse array of organisms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Idris Nasir Abdullahi, Guillermo Juarez-Fernandez, Ursula Hofle, Javier Latorre-Fernandez, Teresa Cardona-Cabrera, David Minguez-Romero, Myriam Zarazaga, Carmen Lozano, Carmen Torres
Summary: This study investigated the nasotracheal carriage rates of Staphylococcus aureus in white storks in Southern Spain and characterized the genetic diversity of the isolates. It found that approximately 31% of white storks carried S. aureus, with nasal samples having a higher carriage rate (36.5%) than tracheal samples (11.9%). All isolates were susceptible to methicillin, and a small percentage (8.8%) were susceptible to all tested antibiotics. Various spa types and clonal complexes were detected, including the emergence of MSSA-CC398 and toxigenic MSSA strains in stork nestlings.
Article
Biology
Jack D. Shutt, Urmi H. Trivedi, James A. Nicholls
Summary: Supplementary feeding of wild birds is common practice, with significant impacts on population density and breeding phenology observed in blue tits consuming the supplemental food. The study suggests that the effects of supplementary feeding may be larger and more widespread than currently recognized, potentially disrupting population and ecosystem dynamics.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jinya Li, Fawen Qian, Yang Zhang, Lina Zhao, Wanquan Deng, Keming Ma
Summary: Migratory species are more vulnerable to extinction due to their interaction with different ecosystems in different regions during migration. Clarifying the utilization intensity during migration is crucial for identifying conservation priorities and improving resource allocation efficiency. This study used satellite-tracking loggers and remote sensing to analyze the migration patterns of Oriental White Storks, revealing spatial differences in habitat selection and the need for eco-friendly land use.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Seraina L. Meister, Christian Wenker, Fabia Wyss, Irene Zuhlke, Ines Berenguer Veiga, Walter U. Basso
Summary: The study investigated the cause of death in white storks infected with the respiratory tract nematode Syngamus trachea, with 5 out of 24 storks diagnosed with the infection and pathological changes observed in the respiratory tract and histological examination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Dora Bjedov, Mirna Velki, Carina Lackmann, Lidija Begovic, Tibor Mikuska, Luka Jurinovic, Alma Mikuska
Summary: White stork nestlings were used as indicators of environmental quality in this study. For the first time in Croatia, enzymatic and nonenzymatic biomarkers were assessed in white stork nestlings. The results showed that nestlings from areas with intensive agriculture had lower enzyme activity, while areas surrounded by metal and engineering industry and areas with intensified agriculture exhibited higher oxidative stress. This suggests that pollutants from metal, petroleum, and agricultural industry may impact the biomarkers in white stork nestlings.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sandra Martinez-Alvarez, Pierre Chatre, Teresa Cardona-Cabrera, Pauline Francois, Alberto Sanchez-Cano, Ursula Hofle, Myriam Zarazaga, Jean-Yves Madec, Marisa Haenni, Carmen Torres
Summary: This study aimed to characterize Escherichia coli isolates from cloacal samples of white stork nestlings, with a special focus on extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing E. coli isolates and their plasmid content. Various methods were used, including disc diffusion method, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Pulsed-Field-Gel-Electrophoresis (PFGE), Southern blotting, and whole-genome sequencing, to screen for antimicrobial susceptibility, genotypic characterization, and plasmid sequencing. The study identified the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli and their plasmid characteristics.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xu Xu, Xianguo Lu, Qiang Wang, Chunyue Liu, Changchun Song, Haitao Wang, Guodong Wang, Bo Liu, Keji Sun, Haifeng Zheng
Summary: Through tracking the movement patterns of oriental white stork fledglings, it was found that they are more active during the daytime with significant activity peaks occurring in the early morning and late afternoon. Fledglings tend to concentrate their movement around hot-spot locations with flat spaces or small ponds, and their home range size varies significantly among individuals.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alejandro Lopez-Garcia, Ana Sanz-Aguilar, Jose I. Aguirre
Summary: The study indicates that foraging at landfills can have both positive and negative effects on reproductive parameters and juvenile survival. While landfills offer abundant and diverse food sources, they may also pose health risks and reduce future survival probability for wildlife.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Amina Yalles-Satha, Majida El Alami, Lina Hanane Kechemir, Christian Desvilettes, Haroun Chenchouni
Summary: The research focused on studying the diversity and distribution of Ephemeroptera fauna in the Wadis of Seybouse and Kebir-Rhumel in northeastern Algeria. A total of 399 mayfly larvae were collected and classified into eight species from the two Wadis, with two endemic species found. This study represents the first checklist of mayflies in this region, shedding light on the poorly studied taxonomy of mayflies in the area.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rachida Gherbi-Salmi, Abdelkrim Si Bachir, Cherif Ghazi, Salah Eddine Doumandji
Summary: The study revealed significant impact of food supply in garbage dumps on the reproductive fitness of Cattle Egret, leading to increased offspring losses, while no significant effects were noted on average clutch size and the mean number of hatched chicks per nest.
AVIAN BIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Asma Senoussi, Teresa Rapisarda, Iris Schadt, Haroun Chenchouni, Zineddine Saoudi, Sana Senoussi, Ouarda Aissaoui Zitoun, Mohammed Nasreddine Zidoune, Stefania Carpino
Summary: The aromatic profile development of Bouhezza goat cheese during manufacturing-ripening was assessed using SPME and SD methods. Sixty different OACs were revealed, and the volatile profile changed during cheese ripening. Ester and terpene compounds dominated throughout manufacturing-ripening. Different extraction methods provided complementary results, with SD offering a more complete profile compared to SPME.
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Haroun Chenchouni, Souad Neffar
Summary: The assessment of soil organic carbon stock is crucial for the adoption of adequate management strategies for the sustainable development of steppelands and rangelands in North Africa. This study estimated the soil organic carbon stock in soils rehabilitated by prickly pear plantations and analyzed the effects of edaphic factors on its variation. The results showed that soil organic carbon stock varied significantly with soil depth, management type, and soil factors.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Sonia Boudjabi, Haroun Chenchouni
Summary: Soil fertility in semi-arid steppe rangelands is influenced by vegetation cover, climatic conditions, and soil-specific factors. This study investigated the variability of soil physicochemical parameters and fertility in three types of semi-arid steppe rangelands in North Africa. The results showed that the soil physicochemical parameters significantly affected the soil fertility and stoichiometric C:P ratio in these rangelands.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mabrouka Oustani, Smail Mehda, Mohammed Tahar Halilat, Haroun Chenchouni
Summary: Quinoa is an important crop in the Andean region with high nutritional value and adaptability to stressful environments. The study evaluated the agronomic performance of seven quinoa genotypes in the Sahara Desert of Algeria and found that genotype had a significant effect on most parameters investigated. The Q102 genotype had the highest grain yield and protein content, while the Giza1 genotype had the shortest maturity period and lowest saponin content. Quinoa showed potential as a new crop for arid agriculture in North Africa.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rachid Tabet, Abdelbasset Mechai, Zidane Branes, Haroun Chenchouni
Summary: This study evaluated and compared the impact of different coagulants (animal and plant-based) on the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, and lipid quality indices of the traditional cheese Jben. The results showed that Jben made with vegetable rennet had lower saturated fatty acid content and improved health indices.
BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Souad Mehalaine, Taha Menasria, Haroun Chenchouni
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the seed germination conditions of three Lamiaceae species in Algeria. Two experiments were carried out: ex vitro and in vitro germination tests. In the ex vitro experiment, the combination of different conditions did not have a significant effect on germination success rate (GSR) in all three species. In the in vitro experiment, Thymus algeriensis showed high GSR, while Marrubium vulgare had significantly high GSR with the application of gibberellic acid (GA3) at certain doses and continuous darkness. Rosmarinus officinalis had a very low GSR regardless of the treatments used.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sonia Boudjabi, Haroun Chenchouni
Summary: The study aimed to demonstrate the positive effects of dewatered sewage sludge (SS) and poultry manure (PM) applications on soil fertility and durum wheat growth. It also assessed heavy metal levels in soil and plants. The findings showed that SS and PM improved soil fertility and plant growth compared to the control, offering a promising solution to address soil fertility loss and low production in arid regions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Djamel Bendjoudi, Faiza Marniche, Lilia Takdjout, Manuel Epalanga, Haroun Chenchouni
Summary: This study aims to analyze the composition and prevalence of endoparasites in the feces of three wild mammal carnivores in Chrea National Park, which has been classified as a biosphere reserve since 2002 under the UNESCO program. Fecal samples were collected from different sites and examined to identify parasite and prey species. The results revealed the presence of helminths and protozoa, and the diet composition of these carnivores included micromammals, invertebrates, birds, and plants.
EURO-MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Iman Daoudi, Kamilia Farhi, Abdelkarim Si Bachir
Summary: This study investigates the holm oak in the Belezma National Park and finds multiple threats to this species. The study area exhibits high floristic diversity, including species not listed in the park's flora. The dominant phytogeographical spectrum in the field stations is the Mediterranean element.
ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIO-ECONOMIC STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Saida Bougoffa, Imene Benzina, Salah Telailia, Abdelkrim Si Bachir
Summary: A socio-economic study was conducted in the wetlands complex of Aures Sebkhates in North Eastern Algeria to assess the ecosystem services, anthropogenic impacts, and vulnerability levels of three Ramsar wetlands. The study found that provisioning and monetary value, such as water pumping, grazing, and salt mining, were the most important ecosystem services. The study also identified significant threats due to salt mining and excessive water pumping within the wetlands. The vulnerability and threat indices revealed that Garaet Timerganine was highly vulnerable, while Ezzmoul and Annk Djemel & El Merhsel were moderately and weakly vulnerable, respectively. This study emphasized the need for conservation and wise use strategies for the most vulnerable wetlands.
ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIO-ECONOMIC STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nawal Ababsa, Sihem Fellah, Haroun Chenchouni, Rania Laalaouna, Khaled Bouchama, Mounia Baha, Mohamed Kribaa
Summary: This study compared the impact of irrigating soils with raw wastewater and treated wastewater on earthworm communities in two natural meadows. The results showed that soils irrigated with raw wastewater had the highest earthworm density and species richness. The parameters of earthworm communities decreased significantly in soils irrigated with treated wastewater. These findings are important for understanding the relationship between soil pollution and earthworm biological activity.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Djamel Abdelhamid, Souad Neffar, Haroun Chenchouni
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the influence of aspect and cone orientation on cone morphometric traits and seed production in Atlas cedar. The study also explored the damage caused by insects to cones and seeds and their spatial distribution. The findings showed that aspect and orientation did not significantly affect cone morphometric traits and seed production. However, seed production was significantly related to cone traits, site aspect, and cone orientation. Seed damage rates were positively correlated with infestation indicators and southern exposure.
EURO-MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amale Macheroum, Haroun Chenchouni
Summary: This study assessed the effects of overgrazing on the physicochemical characteristics and soil fertility of steppe rangelands in Algeria. The findings showed that the degradation of steppe vegetation due to overgrazing did not significantly affect soil physicochemical parameters.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
