Abstract
Birds are an ecological indicator that reflects changes in the environment, especially in the wetlands, which are considered as the most preferred habitats for migratory and resident birds, particularly for the aquatic species. This study aimed to classify the study area according to the standards of the Ramsar Convention for Wetlands, and to study the diversity of waterbirds in Al-Mallaha, as well as to investigate the impact of some environmental factors on these species. This study was conducted at Al-Mallaha, north east of Tripoli during the period from September 2020 to August 2021. A total of 3,984 individuals were recorded belonging to 45 species out of 12 families and six orders. The highest diversity of waterbirds was recorded during the fall season with a total of 37 species, and the highest abundance was recorded during winter (1095 individuals). Moreover, diversity indicators showed that the highest similarity was between the fall and winter seasons. However, 51.1% of the birds are winter migratory species, as they utilize this site as a roosting area during their migration. This study recorded seven species of waterbirds that are mentioned in Annex II issued by the Regional Activity Center for Specially Protected Areas RAC/SPA as endangered species, and five species mentioned in the IUCN-Red List. In term of ecological factors, the drought, decreasing in water depth and wind have significant impacts on the abundance and diversity of waterbirds