Anthropozoic impacts on forest ecosystems: Case of the Zloul Valley (Ribat Al Khair Region, Morocco)

Abstract

AbstractOver the second half of the past century, the Zloul Valley has undergone rapid and intense changes, such as deforestation and massive clearing as well as a grazing ban in olive plots since the introduction of olive cultivation approximately 30 years ago. The aim of this study was to explore these rapidly changing ecosystems. The floristic analysis revealed a more pronounced anthropozoic impact on the Chamaerops humilis and Ampelodesmos mauritanicus steppe group, which displayed the lowest floristic diversity, with a Shannon–Weaver index of 3.72, and a very high disturbance, of 68.85%. The grazing ban in olive plots had a positive effect on floristic richness and diversity, with the Shannon–Weaver index reaching a maximum value of 4.67. However, the floristic composition remained unbalanced, with an equitability index of 0.61 and a perturbation index of 70.8%. Therefore, these ecosystems have not been able to recover their initial equilibrium despite being under protection for long. The ecosystems of the Zloul Valley demonstrated alarming levels of degradation, especially on the southern slopes of Jbel Ikraa and Jnab Diss. Urgent measures must be taken to mitigate biodiversity loss and soil erosion as a matter of priority.