Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Genie of Environment, Faculty of sciences and technology, USMBA, Fez, Morocco.
Laboratory of Natural substances, Pharmacology Environment, Modeling, Health and quality of life. Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, USMBA, Fez, Morocco.
Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Genie of Environment, Faculty of sciences and technology, USMBA, Fez, Morocco.
Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorisation of Phytogenetic Resources, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Sultan Moulay Sliman University, Beni Mellal, Morocco.
Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorisation of Phytogenetic Resources, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Sultan Moulay Sliman University, Beni Mellal, Morocco.
Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Genie of Environment, Faculty of sciences and technology, USMBA, Fez, Morocco.
Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Genie of Environment, Faculty of sciences and technology, USMBA, Fez, Morocco.
Laboratoire Milieux naturels, Aménagement et Dynamique Socio-Spatiales, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, USMBA, Fez, Morocco.
Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Genie of Environment, Faculty of sciences and technology, USMBA, Fez, Morocco.
Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorisation of Phytogenetic Resources, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Sultan Moulay Sliman University, Beni Mellal, Morocco.
Studies incorporating the nesting behavior and ecology of parasite disease in the European turtle dove during breeding periods are rare. This research examined nest features and nesting materials in Turtle doves to characterize nest dimensions, build, and incorporate vegetation, mainly aromatic and medicinal plants. In parallel, we estimated the ectoparasite load on chicks to verify an eventual relation between odorant plants and pathogen loads. The study was carried in apple orchards at Okhaja Ait Ayach, Midelt province Morocco, during 2015 and 2016. The obtained results demonstrate that the Turtle dove constructs a medium nest, compared to its body size, using several plant species, including medicinal and aromatic species known for their toxicity against pathogens. The inhibition capacity of nesting materials is reflected in parasite loads since only 8% of chicks were infested with Columbicola columbae and Dermanyssus gallinae. Repellent materials in nests are a successful behavioral strategy for this declining game to protect nestlings against pathogens.
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