First assessment of hybrid sparrow (Passer Domesticus x P. Hispaniolensis) damage on cereal crops in Ouargla (Algeria)

The current study was carried out in 2016 and 2017 in eight cereal farms in Ouargla, in the north of Algerian Sahara. The damage caused by hybrid sparrows on cereals (barley and wheat) showed that the loss due to individuals of (Passer domesticus x P hispaniolensis)on cereal plots varies between the visited farms and fluctuates between 0.28% (0.22 qls / ha) and 15.6% (10.8 qls / ha). In general, the damage caused by the sparrows was found to be more important on the periphery of the plots than in the centersof these plots. A significant relationship was found between the rate of damage and the approach of cereal plots to tree blocks, and the density of ears per sampled square. A good decision on the position of cereal plots within farms seems tobe a priority to avoid sparrow attacks.