Importance of urbanized wetlands environments in the reproduction of avifauna, city of Martil (Region of Tetouan) in Morocco

. This study focused on the significance of urban and peri-urban wetlands in the Martil plain of Tetouan, Morocco, for bird reproduction. Conducted over a two-year period, the research employed fixed-site counting and weekly visits to assess reproductive indicators such as chicks, nests, courtship displays, and territorial defense. The findings demonstrated that these wetland environments play a vital role in the reproduction of 37 bird species from 15 families, including species of national importance, declining Mediterranean species, vulnerable species according to the IUCN, and rare breeding species. These results underscore the critical importance of conserving and sustainably managing these wetland areas. By prioritising the preservation of urban and peri-urban wetlands, Morocco can contribute to global biodiversity conservation efforts while addressing the challenges of urbanization and climate change


Introduction
Wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, sediment control (1), water retention, soil conservation, and carbon storage (2), flood prevention, regulation of water flow, and groundwater recharge. Wetland environments provide habitats for birds (1,2), serving as feeding, resting, breeding, and nesting sites (1,3). Despite their significance, wetland habitats are disturbed by anthropogenic activities, resulting in the erosion of biodiversity and a drastic decline in bird populations (2). Recognizing this importance, Morocco has designated 38 Ramsar sites of international importance for biodiversity and migratory birds, 38 continental wetland sites of biological and ecological interest (SIBE), and 38 SIBE coastal wetland sites. Additionally, ten national parks and four biosphere reserves, including the Intercontinental Biosphere of the Mediterranean, have been established to preserve national and global biodiversity. Despite these efforts, several significant wetland environments remain unclassified and unlisted. The Tanger-Tétouan region is located in a transitional zone between Africa and Europe (Strait of Gibraltar) and features both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts (a global biodiversity hotspot). It also lies along a major east-Atlantic flyway for bird migration. The wetlands of the Martil Plain (Tanger-Tétouan region) are situated on the country's Mediterranean coast and are geographically close to several Ramsar sites of international importance (Lower Loukkos Complex, Lower Tahaddart Complex, Smir Marsh and Lagoon, Jbel Moussa Coastal Area), as well as numerous SIBE sites in the coastal (Jbel Moussa, Oued Tahaddart, Larache Marsh, Merja Zerga) and continental domains (Perdicaris, Jbel Bouhachem, Jbel Tizirane). These protected areas host habitats utilised by remarkable national and global avifauna. The wetlands of Oued El Maleh (Martil) harbour coastal dunes and interesting plant species, including several that are rare and endemic to Morocco (4). The Ramsar site "le Complexe du Bas Loukkos" (No. 1475(No. , 2005) is home to vulnerable species such as Marbled Teal and Ferruginous Duck, as well as rare or threatened species. The Ramsar site "Lagune et Barrage de Smir" (2019) is a vital stopover site for migratory birds, attracting 60 species of wintering and/or migratory waterbirds and housing 26 nesting species, 16 of which have conservation status unfavourable in Europe. It is clear that the wetlands of the Tangier-Tetouan region are vital stopover, feeding, resting and breeding sites for migratory, wintering and resident birds. These environments are also home to endemic and rare species. However, as a result of socioeconomic and demographic development and high urbanization, many wetlands have become urban and peri-urban, with no clear boundaries within the city. In addition, episodes of drought and flooding, linked to global warming and man-made factors, regularly modify the surface area of water and the extent of these ecosystems. On the other hand, the development of agriculture is important in these wetlands because it is linked to the presence of water and better lands. The Martil plain is subject to a number of socio-economic activities, construction works and development projects. In connection with the economic and industrial development of the city of Tetouan, numerous structures are being built along the Oued Martil. These urban, socio-economic and climatic changes make it necessary to update our knowledge of the region's wetlands in order to guide and better govern the management and/or restoration of these environments. It is therefore necessary to update the importance of these environments for the reproduction of avifauna. With this in mind, we have chosen to record the breeding indices of the avifauna in the wetland environments of Oued El Maleh and Oued Martil, in order to shed light on their ecological and ornithological importance. This objective is motivated by the lack of regular monitoring of the state of avifauna biodiversity in urban and peri-urban wetlands in the region and on the Martil plain. In a Mediterranean and global context, characterized by climate change and episodes of drought/flooding, we are attempting to provide the information needed by researchers, decision-makers, educators and citizens to raise awareness, conserve and restore wetlands and the avifauna that frequent them. This work is being carried out as part of a doctoral thesis on the diversity of wetland fauna in the Tangier-Tetouan region. Ornithological monitoring of avifauna breeding indices in the Oued Martil and Oued El Maleh wetlands was carried out between January 2021 and January 2023. This study presents the results obtained.

.1 Study Area
The urban and peri-urban wetlands of Oued Martil and Oued El Maleh are located in the Martil watershed on the Mediterranean coast. The lower area of the watershed corresponds to the Martil plain, which is prone to flooding. Oued El Maleh and Oued Martil drain the Martil plain and run alongside the cities of Tetouan and Martil, eventually flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. The Martil watershed is characterized by a torrential hydraulic regime in a Mediterranean climate, with an average annual temperature of 16°C and 650 mm of precipitation. The climate exhibits two distinct seasons: a wet and cool season from October to April, and a sub-humid and hot season from May to September. Oued El Maleh has intermittent flow and reaches the coast through an estuary, while Oued Martil has several tributaries and drains a watershed of 1220 km2. It has sufficient flow to breach the coastal barrier through an estuary. The flow of both rivers meanders due to the low slope of the plain (8).

Figure 1:
Map showing the study areas and the urban areas next to it (GoogleEarth 2022)

Ornithological monitoring
Reproductive indicators of avifauna in the wetlands of Oued Martil and Oued El Maleh were recorded on a weekly basis from January 2021 to January 2023. Observations were conducted between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, taking into account weather conditions and accessibility, using the fixed-site counting method for a duration of 30 to 60 minutes. Binoculars were employed, and field identification was carried out using the ornithological guide by Delachaux and Niestlé (2021). Photographs were taken with a suitable device for subsequent identification purposes. The recorded reproductive indicators included the presence of chicks, nests, courtship displays, territorial defence, and nuptial plumage.

Results
Thirty-seven bird species belonging to 15

Discussion
The ornithological monitoring during the spring of 2021, focusing on nesting bird populations or potential nesters in urban and peri-urban wetlands of Oued Martil and Oued El Maleh in the urban commune of Martil, Tétouan, Morocco, was significantly influenced by weather constraints and, most importantly, the accessibility to certain flood-prone sites. The lack of previous data for comparison regarding these sites prevents drawing conclusions regarding the improvement or degradation of these ecosystems. A comparison is made with data on nesting bird species, conservation statuses, and phenology of bird species in Morocco. The urban and peri-urban wetlands of Oued Martil and Oued El Maleh undergo changes in water levels depending on the seasons, through flooding and drying, influenced by precipitation and urban development. Several neighbourhoods are in proximity to these ecosystems, some of which are informal settlements (Diza). Their expansion continues at the expense of water surfaces and the population of aquatic avifauna that frequents them. Twenty-five bird species belonging to ten families use the wetlands of Oued Martil and Oued El Maleh for reproduction. Through the observation of waterbird behaviours, several species form pairs and perform courtship displays necessary for nesting. These phases are crucial for the success of nesting and reproduction, especially for endangered species or vulnerable species , or even species that are no longer nesting in Morocco (Flamingo). Indicators of successful reproduction were collected for 11 species representing 5 families. These indicators include the presence of nests, eggs, chicks, chick rearing, and feeding. Among this nesting bird population, two species are declining in the Mediterranean (Northern Shoveler and Common Teal), emphasising the need for their protection. The Martil Plain is experiencing increasing urbanization and coastal development at the expense of the environmentand the wetlands of Oued Martil and Oued El Maleh. The impact of anthropogeni activities on wetland habitats results in the erosion of biodiversity and a drastic decline in bird populations (S. Hugues, W. Azonningbo, J. Boco Adjakpa, and E. Codjo Agbangba, 2020). To preserve habitats and biodiversity, appropriate conservation and management measures must be implemented. While urbanization is a necessity, developing management policies that consider this need along with biodiversity conservation is now a priority. The proximity of urban and peri-urban wetlands of Oued Martil and Oued El Maleh to Ramsar sites of international importance (Lower Loukkos Complex, Lower Tahaddart Complex, Smir Marsh and Lagoon, Jbel Moussa Coast) and their location within the Intercontinental Biosphere of the Mediterranean highlight their role as wintering, feeding, resting, and nesting habitats for resident and migratory bird species.

Conclusion
These ornithological data highlight the importance of urban and peri-urban wetlands of Oued Martil and Oued El Maleh in the reproduction of heritage species that require conservation efforts. Urbanization, coastal development, and the growth of tourism activities pose threats to these ecosystems, which are located in a region of national and international significance for biodiversity conservation. Protecting and managing these wetland areas is crucial for the long-term survival of bird populations and the preservation of their habitats. Conservation measures should be implemented to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization and tourism, including the enforcement of regulations, the establishment of protected areas, and the Furthermore, raising awareness among local communities, stakeholders, and decisionmakers about the ecological value of these wetlands is essential. Engaging in collaborative efforts involving government agencies, environmental organisations, and the public can lead to effective conservation strategies and ensure the sustainable coexistence of urban development and biodiversity conservation. By recognizing the significance of urban and peri-urban wetlands as vital breeding grounds for bird species, steps can be taken to conserve these ecosystems, safeguard the rich biodiversity they harbour, and contribute to the overall protection of nature in the region.