First gap filling survey in Morocco for Aquatic Warblers
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AWOM
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Biodiversity - Flyways
As many important areas for the Aquatic Warbler migration in Europe are well known, this is not the case for most of stopover and wintering areas in Africa. The LIFE project Aquatic Warblers on the Move (LIFE AWOM) will organise 11 surveys in western Africa from 2025 to 2029. The first gap filling survey took place in Morocco from 5-20 April 2025.
One of LIFE AWOM priorities consists in the identification and study of stopover and wintering sites for the Aquatic Warbler during its migration. By conducting 11 gap filling surveys, project partners will be able to understand better the species’ habits and habitats. The objective is to create a database containing all observations of the Aquatic Warbler. This will enable to build an accurate flyway site network for the Aquatic Warbler, based on up-to-date scientific data.
Observing Aquatic Warblers in Morocco
From April 5th to 20th, members of the LIFE AWOM’s partners traveled to Morocco, searching for Aquatic Warblers. The team was composed of technicians from Fundación Migres, the Catalan Institute of Ornithology (ICO), Association pour la Connaissance et la Recherche Ornithologique Loire et Atlantique (ACROLA), and local ornithologists (GREPOM, University Mohammed V).
They conducted the first gap filling survey, consisting of scientific ringing sessions under specific protocols, walking transects and point counts. This expedition visited several wetlands in the south of Morocco, taking advantage of a rainy winter, in desert oases around Merzouga and Arfoud. It also included important wetlands on the Middle Atlas and the Atlantic coast: Oued Massa, Sidi Boughaba, Merja Zerga, Ain Chouk (Loukkos), Diasra, and Merja Barrha. The map below showcases the main areas prospected during the expedition:
As a result of this effort, the species’ presence was identified in the lower Loukkos. Likewise, from April 14th to 18th, the team collaborated on training sessions on scientific ringing and census techniques for ornithologists from Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt as part of the Cost Euflynet project.
Some pictures of the ringing activities
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