A new multi-species heronry found at Dayet Roumi during this breeding season by Abdelhak Elbanak.
The new heronry is installed on about two hundred Eucalyptus trees at the western edge of Dayet Roumi. For those who don’t know the site, Dayet Roumi (splet also as Dayet Erroumi, Dayet Ait Ouribel) is a small lake that covers an area of 90 ha situated a few kilometres to the west of Khemisset in Zemmour region. It is classified as a Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE) of priority 1 by the Forestry Administration (HCEFLCD).
The heronry is composed of the following species: Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax).
Nests of the Cattle Egret are the most abundant (454), followed by those of the Black-crowned Night Heron (54) while those of the Little Egret are less numerous (8 nests). Some nests are really small, and some birds are still building their nests, so these numbers may change during the course of the season. The high level of the lake this year offers perfect protection against predators and human disturbance.
More visits to the site will follow during the coming weeks to collect more data and take more photos as well. Abdelhak will also prepare a short note about this new heronry.
