Contribution à l’inventaire de l'avifaune au niveau de l'aéroport de Sétif 8 mai 1945

Abstract

Bird strikes are a major risk to aviation safety, especially in airport environments where aircraft and birds share the same airspace. This research, which represents the first study devoted to the avifauna of Sétif 8 Mai 1945 Airport, aims to establish an inventory of bird species in order to assess the potential risk of collisions between birds and aircraft. The study was based on field surveys carried out over several months, covering different sites inside and around the airport. Data collection focused on species identification, abundance, phenological status, feeding ecology, and periods of occurrence. The results revealed a rich and diverse avifauna, dominated by resident species, supplemented by seasonal migrants. Some species, such as the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), and the Feral Pigeon (Columba livia), showed high frequency and frequent proximity to runways, thus representing a real hazard to air navigation. Statistical analysis of recorded incidents confirmed that most strikes occurred during critical phases of flight, mainly take-off and landing. This inventory provides an important ecological database for understanding bird dynamics in the airport environment. It highlights the need to implement adapted management strategies, including habitat control and innovative deterrent methods, in order to reduce collision risks and enhance flight safety.