Faouzia Cheikhrouha Ep Charfi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Faouzia Cheikhrouha Ep Charfi

Forest Ecology and Management, Feb 1, 2017

Trace metals (TMs) are considered hazardous pollutants of aquatic environment since they are pers... more Trace metals (TMs) are considered hazardous pollutants of aquatic environment since they are persistent, toxic, and could be concentrated in marine organisms.

The Ichkeul National Park (INP) has been ratified as a National Park (1980), a Biosphere Reserve ... more The Ichkeul National Park (INP) has been ratified as a National Park (1980), a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program (1977), and a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (1980), and subsequently has been inscribed on the World Heritage List (1980). However, this area is actually threatened by three dams which can retain up to 75 % of the inflow freshwater. According to this situation, fundamental modifications of different components of the INP were recognized. The modification of the hydrological parameters and the response of waterbird community to dam building have been specifically assessed in the present paper. Across 2001–2004, the salinity of the lake ranged from an average of 21 g l−1 in winter to 37 g l−1 in summer with an annual average of 27 g l−1. This latest value was more than two times that recorded before the dams were built. Thus, the densities of Potamogeton and Scirpus populations were dramatically decreased, reduc...

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2008

Revue D Ecologie, 2012

Ecological diagnosis of the Ichkeul National Park (Tunisia) after dams building : the case of wat... more Ecological diagnosis of the Ichkeul National Park (Tunisia) after dams building : the case of waterbirds.-The Ichkeul National Park (INP) has been ratified as a National Park (1980), a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program (1977), and a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (1980), and subsequently has been inscribed on the World Heritage List (1980). However, this area is actually threatened by three dams which can retain up to 75 % of the inflow freshwater. According to this situation, fundamental modifications of different components of the INP were recognized. The modification of the hydrological parameters and the response of waterbird community to dam building have been specifically assessed in the present paper. Across 2001-2004, the salinity of the lake ranged from an average of 21 g l −1 in winter to 37 g l −1 in summer with an annual average of 27 g l −1. This latest value was more than two times that recorded before the dams were built. Thus, the densities of Potamogeton and Scirpus populations were dramatically decreased, reducing the available food of herbivorous waterbirds, notably ducks and coots. They were restricted each year to within the mouths of rivers and covered a small area in September before disappearing by the end of October and November. Concerning waterbird communities, a total of 71 species were counted. The commonest species that accounted for more than 54 % of the total abundance of the waterbird communities were : Common Coot (21 %), Common Pochard (16 %), Eurasian Wigeon (12 %) and Greater Flamingo (5 %). The most abundant trophic groups were herbivores (11 species and 75 % of the total abundance of waterbird communities), filterers (3 species and 5 %), vertebrate consumers (14 species and 3 %) and insectivores (26 species and 9 %). Subordinate ones were invertebrates-vertebrates consumers (8 species and 1 %), invertebratesherbivores (6 species and 5 %) and omnivores (3 species and 2 %). The total species richness varied significantly among months. It ranged from 39 to 41 species, between November and December, and the minimum from 12 to 14 species, during June and July. Species abundance also varied significantly between months with a peak during November and December of about 50 000 individuals. The lowest species abundance values were recorded in July and August with an abundance of about 1500 to 3000 individuals. The INP constitutes a very important area during the autumn migration and wintering periods and provides a habitat for a large range of groups of wintering waterbirds, notably herbivorous species. Thus, the competition for resources may be higher in winter than in summer. The total number of species is still decreasing from 93 species (1966-1985) and 90 species (1982-1994) to 71 species in 2001-2004. This variation is most likely dependent on the variation of the number of sporadic species visiting the site than due to the local conditions. The annual density of all waterbird communities decreased dramatically of about 40 % after the building of dams. This condition was mainly caused by the decreasing number of herbivores. Indeed, they presented the lowest peak abundance estimations obtained since the beginning of waterbird counts in the park. There were about 120 000 birds in 1963-1983, 90 000 birds in 1984-1992, 121 000 birds in 1993-1994, but 60 000 in the present assessment. We support the hypothesis that freshwater diversion and increasing salinity caused severe depletion of Potamogeton and Scirpus, and therefore, a worrying reality of the feeding condition for this trophic group. Furthermore, the intensive pressure of feeding exercised by the herbivorous species on wetland production has been identified as having a negative local effect on the Potamogeton population dynamics mainly when the productivity of the Ichkeul National Park was low. From those results, it is suggested that dams built upstream of the Ichkeul National Park caused significant changes to the abundance of waterbird community. Résumé.-Dans le Parc National Ichkeul (PNI), entre septembre 2001 et août 2004, les résultats révèlent une richesse spécifique de 71 espèces et une densité annuelle moyenne de 8490 oiseaux/jour/an.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2014

Stereotypies are often associated with suboptimal environments. However, their adaptive significa... more Stereotypies are often associated with suboptimal environments. However, their adaptive significance remains under debate. The aim of this study was to relate the occurrence of stereotypies in breeding mares to their mating success. The overall, first and second cycle conception rates, inter-cycle interval and the number of cycles per conception were compared between stereotypic mares (n = 31) and non-stereotypic mares (n = 83). Mares were mated by 9 stallions which were equally balanced between the two groups. Rectal palpation and ultrasound were used to monitor the follicular state of the mares and to confirm pregnancy. The relationship between the occurrence of stereotypies and mating success was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression. 2 tests were used to compare independent variables' distribution between the two groups of mares. Stereotypic mares had a significantly lower overall conception rate (55% vs. 84%, p = 0.0018), first-cycle conception rate (26% vs. 54%, p = 0.0214) and second cycle. This was still the case when only one type of stereotypic behaviour was considered. Thus, weaving mares (n = 26) had a lower overall (58% vs. 81%, p = 0.034) and first cycle (33% vs. 64%, p = 0.005) conception rate well as a significantly higher number of cycles per conception (2, 0 ± 0.9 in stereotypic vs. 1.5 ± 0.8 in control mares, p = 0.037) as compared to non stereotypic mares (n = 31). There was no difference between weaving and control mares in inter-cycle intervals (26.1 ± 7.7 in weaving mares vs. 23.9 ± 6.6 in control mares, p = 0.74). These findings suggest a lowered fitness in stereotypic mares. To our knowledge, this is the first study relating the occurrence of stereotypies to fertility in horses. The findings that fertility may be impaired in stereotypic animals have important implications and deserve further consideration to elucidate the processes involved.

PLoS ONE, 2013

Discomfort in farm animals may be induced by inappropriate types or timing of food supplies. Thus... more Discomfort in farm animals may be induced by inappropriate types or timing of food supplies. Thus, time restriction of meals and lack of roughage have been shown to be one source of emergence of oral stereotypies and abnormal behaviour in horses which have evolved to eat high-fibre diets in small amounts over long periods of time. This feeding pattern is often altered in domestic environment where horses are often fed low fibre meals that can be rapidly consumed. This study aimed at determining the effect of the temporal pattern of feeding on reproductive efficiency of breeding mares, One hundred Arab breeding mares were divided into two groups that differed only in the temporal pattern of roughage availability: only at night for the standard feeding pattern group (SFP mares), night and day for the ''continuous feeding'' group (CF mares). The total amount of roughage provided was the same as the CF mares received half of the hay during the day while in paddock (haynets). Mares were tested for oestrus detection by teasing with one stallion and were then examined clinically by rectal palpations and ultrasound before being mated naturally or inseminated by fresh or frozen semen. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse data. The treatment affected significantly the reproductive efficiency of the mares with fewer oestrus abnormalities (p = 0.0002) and more fertility (p = 0.024) in CF mares (conception rate = 81% versus 55% in SFP mares). Ensuring semi-continous feeding by providing roughage may be a way of fulfilling the basic physiological needs of the horses' digestive system, reducing stress and associated inhibitors of reproduction. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of an impact of temporal feeding patterns on reproductive success in a Mammal. Temporal patterns of feeding may be a major and underestimated factor in breeding.

Forest Ecology and Management, 2014

ABSTRACT The detection of thresholds in forest bird response to gradients in forest alteration is... more ABSTRACT The detection of thresholds in forest bird response to gradients in forest alteration is a powerful approach to quantify their ecological requirements and to develop evidence-based targets for conservation. For this purpose, we analyzed the response of 31 forest bird species to a gradient in forest alteration by human activities (e.g. fire; grazing; firewood collection) in the Kroumirie region of northwestern Tunisia. We surveyed forest birds using point counts at 48 stations located throughout Feija National Park. From a data set of 12 vegetation variables, we obtained a gradient in forest alteration using a principal component analysis. Then, we modeled the probability of detection of bird species along this gradient using logistic regression. We selected the five most sensitive species as target species as indicated by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). Then, we quantified thresholds in their probability of detection as a function of four habitat structure variables: density of large-diameter trees (dbh > 30 cm), canopy closure, density of snags, and downed woody material. Nineteen of 31 species exhibited a significant response to forest alteration (PCA1), including 7 positive and 12 negative responses. Among these, the five best models (AUC > 0.8) corresponded to Levaillant’s Woodpecker (Picus vaillantii), Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopsminor), Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla), and Atlas Flycatcher (Ficedula speculgera). On the basis of their threshold values, we recommend to protect stands with densities of large-diameter trees of at least 650 stems ha−1, and 207 stems ha−1 of snags, to meet the structural requirements (90% probability of detection) of the most demanding species, respectively Levaillant’s Woodpecker and Atlas Flycatcher.

European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2008

The mosaic of habitats in the Ichkeul National Park is frequently changing due to the variations ... more The mosaic of habitats in the Ichkeul National Park is frequently changing due to the variations in water conditions that had influenced the wintering strategy of waterbird populations. To this point of view, field work on the wintering strategy of Greylag Geese in the Ichkeul National Park was realized during two consecutive winters (September 2001–March 2002 and September 2002–March 2003).

European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2008

For the period of 2001–2004, the detailed reaction of a waterbird community to dam building has b... more For the period of 2001–2004, the detailed reaction of a waterbird community to dam building has been assessed in the Ichkeul National Park. Results showed that 71 species belonging to 8 orders were detected. Three herbivorous species were largely dominant: common coot (Fulica atra), common pochard (Aythya ferina), and Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope). The three community parameters used in the

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between age, reproductive status and si... more The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between age, reproductive status and sire of the mare and the tendency to perform stereotypies. One hundred and fourteen purebred Arab mares, offspring of 39 sires (x = 3 ± 9 offspring per sire) and aged 4-21 years (x = 9.23 ± 4.1) were observed from the 30th March to the 15th of May 2005 using instantaneous scan sampling. We used a multivariate logistic regression in order to study the relationship between age, reproductive status and sire of the mare and the tendency to perform stereotypies. 28% of the observed mares showed stereotypic behaviour, mostly weaving (22%). Neither age (2 Wald = 9.36, p = 0.89) nor sire (2 Wald = 4.34, p = 1.0) affected the occurrence of stereotypies whilst the reproductive status of the mare influenced significantly the occurrence (2 Wald = 10.75, p = 0.001) but also the type (2 = 12.1, p < 0.001) of stereotypic behaviour. Weaving was more frequent in non foaling mares (41.4%) than in foaling mares (1.8%) that performed mostly stall-walking.

Discomfort in farm animals may be induced by inappropriate types or timing of food supplies. Thus... more Discomfort in farm animals may be induced by inappropriate types or timing of food supplies. Thus, time restriction of meals and lack of roughage have been shown to be one source of emergence of oral stereotypies and abnormal behaviour in horses which have evolved to eat high-fibre diets in small amounts over long periods of time. This feeding pattern is often altered in domestic environment where horses are often fed low fibre meals that can be rapidly consumed. This study aimed at determining the effect of the temporal pattern of feeding on reproductive efficiency of breeding mares, One hundred Arab breeding mares were divided into two groups that differed only in the temporal pattern of roughage availability: only at night for the standard feeding pattern group (SFP mares), night and day for the ''continuous feeding'' group (CF mares). The total amount of roughage provided was the same as the CF mares received half of the hay during the day while in paddock (haynets). Mares were tested for oestrus detection by teasing with one stallion and were then examined clinically by rectal palpations and ultrasound before being mated naturally or inseminated by fresh or frozen semen. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse data. The treatment affected significantly the reproductive efficiency of the mares with fewer oestrus abnormalities (p = 0.0002) and more fertility (p = 0.024) in CF mares (conception rate = 81% versus 55% in SFP mares). Ensuring semi-continous feeding by providing roughage may be a way of fulfilling the basic physiological needs of the horses' digestive system, reducing stress and associated inhibitors of reproduction. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of an impact of temporal feeding patterns on reproductive success in a Mammal. Temporal patterns of feeding may be a major and underestimated factor in breeding.

animal, 2009

This study aimed at determining the effect of the increase of foraging opportunities on the behav... more This study aimed at determining the effect of the increase of foraging opportunities on the behaviour and welfare of breeding mares housed in individual boxes but allowed outside 6 h a day in a bare paddock. One hundred Arab breeding mares were divided into two groups of 50 according to the treatment and allowed outside in two bare paddocks at the same density (115 mare/ha) where water and shelter were provided. The treatment consisted in providing the opportunity to forage on hay. Twenty-minute animal focal samplings and scan samplings were used to determine the time budget of the mares during the period from 0900 to 1500 h and study their social behaviour. A total of 300 focal sampling (6000 min), 3300 individual scan sampling (6000 min) and 62 group observations (1240 min) corresponding to the 100 mares were recorded. Non-parametric tests were used to analyse data. Results showed that experimental mares spent more time feeding (65.12% ± 2.40%v. 29.75% ± 2.45%,P< 0.01) and less...

Animal Reproduction Science, 2010

In order to investigate the factors affecting the reproduction efficiency of Arab breeding mares ... more In order to investigate the factors affecting the reproduction efficiency of Arab breeding mares in Tunisia, breeding data corresponding to 2340 mated cycles, over 5 years (from 2000 to 2004), from 555 mares offspring of 50 sires and bred with 17 stallions were analysed using a multivariate logistic regression. We chose logit link function and binomial distribution and we used log-likelihood-ratio (LL) and Wald tests (X(2)Wald) to test the mean values. The factors of variation included in the model were the year, the stallion, the age of the mare at mating, the sire and the category of the mare. Logistic regression results showed that age and sire affected both the overall conception rate and the first-cycle conception rate of the mares whilst category and stallion influenced only the overall conception rate. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that the sire of the mare can affect both the first-cycle conception rate and the overall conception rate of the mares.

Animal Reproduction Science, 2010

In order to investigate the factors affecting the reproduction efficiency of Arab breeding mares ... more In order to investigate the factors affecting the reproduction efficiency of Arab breeding mares in Tunisia, breeding data corresponding to 2340 mated cycles, over 5 years (from 2000 to 2004), from 555 mares offspring of 50 sires and bred with 17 stallions were analysed using a multivariate logistic regression. We chose logit link function and binomial distribution and we used log-likelihood-ratio (LL) and Wald tests (X(2)Wald) to test the mean values. The factors of variation included in the model were the year, the stallion, the age of the mare at mating, the sire and the category of the mare. Logistic regression results showed that age and sire affected both the overall conception rate and the first-cycle conception rate of the mares whilst category and stallion influenced only the overall conception rate. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that the sire of the mare can affect both the first-cycle conception rate and the overall conception rate of the mares.

Forest Ecology and Management, Feb 1, 2017

Trace metals (TMs) are considered hazardous pollutants of aquatic environment since they are pers... more Trace metals (TMs) are considered hazardous pollutants of aquatic environment since they are persistent, toxic, and could be concentrated in marine organisms.

The Ichkeul National Park (INP) has been ratified as a National Park (1980), a Biosphere Reserve ... more The Ichkeul National Park (INP) has been ratified as a National Park (1980), a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program (1977), and a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (1980), and subsequently has been inscribed on the World Heritage List (1980). However, this area is actually threatened by three dams which can retain up to 75 % of the inflow freshwater. According to this situation, fundamental modifications of different components of the INP were recognized. The modification of the hydrological parameters and the response of waterbird community to dam building have been specifically assessed in the present paper. Across 2001–2004, the salinity of the lake ranged from an average of 21 g l−1 in winter to 37 g l−1 in summer with an annual average of 27 g l−1. This latest value was more than two times that recorded before the dams were built. Thus, the densities of Potamogeton and Scirpus populations were dramatically decreased, reduc...

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2008

Revue D Ecologie, 2012

Ecological diagnosis of the Ichkeul National Park (Tunisia) after dams building : the case of wat... more Ecological diagnosis of the Ichkeul National Park (Tunisia) after dams building : the case of waterbirds.-The Ichkeul National Park (INP) has been ratified as a National Park (1980), a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program (1977), and a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (1980), and subsequently has been inscribed on the World Heritage List (1980). However, this area is actually threatened by three dams which can retain up to 75 % of the inflow freshwater. According to this situation, fundamental modifications of different components of the INP were recognized. The modification of the hydrological parameters and the response of waterbird community to dam building have been specifically assessed in the present paper. Across 2001-2004, the salinity of the lake ranged from an average of 21 g l −1 in winter to 37 g l −1 in summer with an annual average of 27 g l −1. This latest value was more than two times that recorded before the dams were built. Thus, the densities of Potamogeton and Scirpus populations were dramatically decreased, reducing the available food of herbivorous waterbirds, notably ducks and coots. They were restricted each year to within the mouths of rivers and covered a small area in September before disappearing by the end of October and November. Concerning waterbird communities, a total of 71 species were counted. The commonest species that accounted for more than 54 % of the total abundance of the waterbird communities were : Common Coot (21 %), Common Pochard (16 %), Eurasian Wigeon (12 %) and Greater Flamingo (5 %). The most abundant trophic groups were herbivores (11 species and 75 % of the total abundance of waterbird communities), filterers (3 species and 5 %), vertebrate consumers (14 species and 3 %) and insectivores (26 species and 9 %). Subordinate ones were invertebrates-vertebrates consumers (8 species and 1 %), invertebratesherbivores (6 species and 5 %) and omnivores (3 species and 2 %). The total species richness varied significantly among months. It ranged from 39 to 41 species, between November and December, and the minimum from 12 to 14 species, during June and July. Species abundance also varied significantly between months with a peak during November and December of about 50 000 individuals. The lowest species abundance values were recorded in July and August with an abundance of about 1500 to 3000 individuals. The INP constitutes a very important area during the autumn migration and wintering periods and provides a habitat for a large range of groups of wintering waterbirds, notably herbivorous species. Thus, the competition for resources may be higher in winter than in summer. The total number of species is still decreasing from 93 species (1966-1985) and 90 species (1982-1994) to 71 species in 2001-2004. This variation is most likely dependent on the variation of the number of sporadic species visiting the site than due to the local conditions. The annual density of all waterbird communities decreased dramatically of about 40 % after the building of dams. This condition was mainly caused by the decreasing number of herbivores. Indeed, they presented the lowest peak abundance estimations obtained since the beginning of waterbird counts in the park. There were about 120 000 birds in 1963-1983, 90 000 birds in 1984-1992, 121 000 birds in 1993-1994, but 60 000 in the present assessment. We support the hypothesis that freshwater diversion and increasing salinity caused severe depletion of Potamogeton and Scirpus, and therefore, a worrying reality of the feeding condition for this trophic group. Furthermore, the intensive pressure of feeding exercised by the herbivorous species on wetland production has been identified as having a negative local effect on the Potamogeton population dynamics mainly when the productivity of the Ichkeul National Park was low. From those results, it is suggested that dams built upstream of the Ichkeul National Park caused significant changes to the abundance of waterbird community. Résumé.-Dans le Parc National Ichkeul (PNI), entre septembre 2001 et août 2004, les résultats révèlent une richesse spécifique de 71 espèces et une densité annuelle moyenne de 8490 oiseaux/jour/an.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2014

Stereotypies are often associated with suboptimal environments. However, their adaptive significa... more Stereotypies are often associated with suboptimal environments. However, their adaptive significance remains under debate. The aim of this study was to relate the occurrence of stereotypies in breeding mares to their mating success. The overall, first and second cycle conception rates, inter-cycle interval and the number of cycles per conception were compared between stereotypic mares (n = 31) and non-stereotypic mares (n = 83). Mares were mated by 9 stallions which were equally balanced between the two groups. Rectal palpation and ultrasound were used to monitor the follicular state of the mares and to confirm pregnancy. The relationship between the occurrence of stereotypies and mating success was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression. 2 tests were used to compare independent variables' distribution between the two groups of mares. Stereotypic mares had a significantly lower overall conception rate (55% vs. 84%, p = 0.0018), first-cycle conception rate (26% vs. 54%, p = 0.0214) and second cycle. This was still the case when only one type of stereotypic behaviour was considered. Thus, weaving mares (n = 26) had a lower overall (58% vs. 81%, p = 0.034) and first cycle (33% vs. 64%, p = 0.005) conception rate well as a significantly higher number of cycles per conception (2, 0 ± 0.9 in stereotypic vs. 1.5 ± 0.8 in control mares, p = 0.037) as compared to non stereotypic mares (n = 31). There was no difference between weaving and control mares in inter-cycle intervals (26.1 ± 7.7 in weaving mares vs. 23.9 ± 6.6 in control mares, p = 0.74). These findings suggest a lowered fitness in stereotypic mares. To our knowledge, this is the first study relating the occurrence of stereotypies to fertility in horses. The findings that fertility may be impaired in stereotypic animals have important implications and deserve further consideration to elucidate the processes involved.

PLoS ONE, 2013

Discomfort in farm animals may be induced by inappropriate types or timing of food supplies. Thus... more Discomfort in farm animals may be induced by inappropriate types or timing of food supplies. Thus, time restriction of meals and lack of roughage have been shown to be one source of emergence of oral stereotypies and abnormal behaviour in horses which have evolved to eat high-fibre diets in small amounts over long periods of time. This feeding pattern is often altered in domestic environment where horses are often fed low fibre meals that can be rapidly consumed. This study aimed at determining the effect of the temporal pattern of feeding on reproductive efficiency of breeding mares, One hundred Arab breeding mares were divided into two groups that differed only in the temporal pattern of roughage availability: only at night for the standard feeding pattern group (SFP mares), night and day for the ''continuous feeding'' group (CF mares). The total amount of roughage provided was the same as the CF mares received half of the hay during the day while in paddock (haynets). Mares were tested for oestrus detection by teasing with one stallion and were then examined clinically by rectal palpations and ultrasound before being mated naturally or inseminated by fresh or frozen semen. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse data. The treatment affected significantly the reproductive efficiency of the mares with fewer oestrus abnormalities (p = 0.0002) and more fertility (p = 0.024) in CF mares (conception rate = 81% versus 55% in SFP mares). Ensuring semi-continous feeding by providing roughage may be a way of fulfilling the basic physiological needs of the horses' digestive system, reducing stress and associated inhibitors of reproduction. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of an impact of temporal feeding patterns on reproductive success in a Mammal. Temporal patterns of feeding may be a major and underestimated factor in breeding.

Forest Ecology and Management, 2014

ABSTRACT The detection of thresholds in forest bird response to gradients in forest alteration is... more ABSTRACT The detection of thresholds in forest bird response to gradients in forest alteration is a powerful approach to quantify their ecological requirements and to develop evidence-based targets for conservation. For this purpose, we analyzed the response of 31 forest bird species to a gradient in forest alteration by human activities (e.g. fire; grazing; firewood collection) in the Kroumirie region of northwestern Tunisia. We surveyed forest birds using point counts at 48 stations located throughout Feija National Park. From a data set of 12 vegetation variables, we obtained a gradient in forest alteration using a principal component analysis. Then, we modeled the probability of detection of bird species along this gradient using logistic regression. We selected the five most sensitive species as target species as indicated by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). Then, we quantified thresholds in their probability of detection as a function of four habitat structure variables: density of large-diameter trees (dbh &gt; 30 cm), canopy closure, density of snags, and downed woody material. Nineteen of 31 species exhibited a significant response to forest alteration (PCA1), including 7 positive and 12 negative responses. Among these, the five best models (AUC &gt; 0.8) corresponded to Levaillant’s Woodpecker (Picus vaillantii), Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopsminor), Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla), and Atlas Flycatcher (Ficedula speculgera). On the basis of their threshold values, we recommend to protect stands with densities of large-diameter trees of at least 650 stems ha−1, and 207 stems ha−1 of snags, to meet the structural requirements (90% probability of detection) of the most demanding species, respectively Levaillant’s Woodpecker and Atlas Flycatcher.

European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2008

The mosaic of habitats in the Ichkeul National Park is frequently changing due to the variations ... more The mosaic of habitats in the Ichkeul National Park is frequently changing due to the variations in water conditions that had influenced the wintering strategy of waterbird populations. To this point of view, field work on the wintering strategy of Greylag Geese in the Ichkeul National Park was realized during two consecutive winters (September 2001–March 2002 and September 2002–March 2003).

European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2008

For the period of 2001–2004, the detailed reaction of a waterbird community to dam building has b... more For the period of 2001–2004, the detailed reaction of a waterbird community to dam building has been assessed in the Ichkeul National Park. Results showed that 71 species belonging to 8 orders were detected. Three herbivorous species were largely dominant: common coot (Fulica atra), common pochard (Aythya ferina), and Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope). The three community parameters used in the

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between age, reproductive status and si... more The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between age, reproductive status and sire of the mare and the tendency to perform stereotypies. One hundred and fourteen purebred Arab mares, offspring of 39 sires (x = 3 ± 9 offspring per sire) and aged 4-21 years (x = 9.23 ± 4.1) were observed from the 30th March to the 15th of May 2005 using instantaneous scan sampling. We used a multivariate logistic regression in order to study the relationship between age, reproductive status and sire of the mare and the tendency to perform stereotypies. 28% of the observed mares showed stereotypic behaviour, mostly weaving (22%). Neither age (2 Wald = 9.36, p = 0.89) nor sire (2 Wald = 4.34, p = 1.0) affected the occurrence of stereotypies whilst the reproductive status of the mare influenced significantly the occurrence (2 Wald = 10.75, p = 0.001) but also the type (2 = 12.1, p < 0.001) of stereotypic behaviour. Weaving was more frequent in non foaling mares (41.4%) than in foaling mares (1.8%) that performed mostly stall-walking.

Discomfort in farm animals may be induced by inappropriate types or timing of food supplies. Thus... more Discomfort in farm animals may be induced by inappropriate types or timing of food supplies. Thus, time restriction of meals and lack of roughage have been shown to be one source of emergence of oral stereotypies and abnormal behaviour in horses which have evolved to eat high-fibre diets in small amounts over long periods of time. This feeding pattern is often altered in domestic environment where horses are often fed low fibre meals that can be rapidly consumed. This study aimed at determining the effect of the temporal pattern of feeding on reproductive efficiency of breeding mares, One hundred Arab breeding mares were divided into two groups that differed only in the temporal pattern of roughage availability: only at night for the standard feeding pattern group (SFP mares), night and day for the ''continuous feeding'' group (CF mares). The total amount of roughage provided was the same as the CF mares received half of the hay during the day while in paddock (haynets). Mares were tested for oestrus detection by teasing with one stallion and were then examined clinically by rectal palpations and ultrasound before being mated naturally or inseminated by fresh or frozen semen. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse data. The treatment affected significantly the reproductive efficiency of the mares with fewer oestrus abnormalities (p = 0.0002) and more fertility (p = 0.024) in CF mares (conception rate = 81% versus 55% in SFP mares). Ensuring semi-continous feeding by providing roughage may be a way of fulfilling the basic physiological needs of the horses' digestive system, reducing stress and associated inhibitors of reproduction. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of an impact of temporal feeding patterns on reproductive success in a Mammal. Temporal patterns of feeding may be a major and underestimated factor in breeding.

animal, 2009

This study aimed at determining the effect of the increase of foraging opportunities on the behav... more This study aimed at determining the effect of the increase of foraging opportunities on the behaviour and welfare of breeding mares housed in individual boxes but allowed outside 6 h a day in a bare paddock. One hundred Arab breeding mares were divided into two groups of 50 according to the treatment and allowed outside in two bare paddocks at the same density (115 mare/ha) where water and shelter were provided. The treatment consisted in providing the opportunity to forage on hay. Twenty-minute animal focal samplings and scan samplings were used to determine the time budget of the mares during the period from 0900 to 1500 h and study their social behaviour. A total of 300 focal sampling (6000 min), 3300 individual scan sampling (6000 min) and 62 group observations (1240 min) corresponding to the 100 mares were recorded. Non-parametric tests were used to analyse data. Results showed that experimental mares spent more time feeding (65.12% ± 2.40%v. 29.75% ± 2.45%,P< 0.01) and less...

Animal Reproduction Science, 2010

In order to investigate the factors affecting the reproduction efficiency of Arab breeding mares ... more In order to investigate the factors affecting the reproduction efficiency of Arab breeding mares in Tunisia, breeding data corresponding to 2340 mated cycles, over 5 years (from 2000 to 2004), from 555 mares offspring of 50 sires and bred with 17 stallions were analysed using a multivariate logistic regression. We chose logit link function and binomial distribution and we used log-likelihood-ratio (LL) and Wald tests (X(2)Wald) to test the mean values. The factors of variation included in the model were the year, the stallion, the age of the mare at mating, the sire and the category of the mare. Logistic regression results showed that age and sire affected both the overall conception rate and the first-cycle conception rate of the mares whilst category and stallion influenced only the overall conception rate. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that the sire of the mare can affect both the first-cycle conception rate and the overall conception rate of the mares.

Animal Reproduction Science, 2010

In order to investigate the factors affecting the reproduction efficiency of Arab breeding mares ... more In order to investigate the factors affecting the reproduction efficiency of Arab breeding mares in Tunisia, breeding data corresponding to 2340 mated cycles, over 5 years (from 2000 to 2004), from 555 mares offspring of 50 sires and bred with 17 stallions were analysed using a multivariate logistic regression. We chose logit link function and binomial distribution and we used log-likelihood-ratio (LL) and Wald tests (X(2)Wald) to test the mean values. The factors of variation included in the model were the year, the stallion, the age of the mare at mating, the sire and the category of the mare. Logistic regression results showed that age and sire affected both the overall conception rate and the first-cycle conception rate of the mares whilst category and stallion influenced only the overall conception rate. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that the sire of the mare can affect both the first-cycle conception rate and the overall conception rate of the mares.