Characterising of Plant Cover Evolution in the Aurès Region (Eastern Algeria)

Houda Bezzih,Abdeljalil Aissi,Hamana Malki

doi:10.15291/geoadria.3203

Abstract

A better understanding of the evolution of vegetation cover is a major concern for countries where mountain ecosystems are undergoing severe degradation. Mediterranean woodland ecosystems in general and those of Algeria in particular, are suffering from numerous types of degradation, be they climatic or anthropogenic. For this reason, and to have a better understanding of this issue and how to deal with it, we decided to carry out a study in the Aures Mountains (eastern Algeria), where the phenomenon of degradation has a direct impact on natural resources. The evolution of the vegetation cover in the region was analysed, using remote sensing data (Landsat-type satellite images) over a 33-year period (1984-2017). A notably pronounced regressive evolution of the plant cover was attributed both to the phenomena of climate change and dieback (which particularly affected the cedar groves) and to the anthropogenic pressure (manifest in fires, overgrazing, illegal cutting, etc.) exerted on the vegetation as a whole. It will therefore become more than necessary to take measures to protect and preserve the region's rich ecological heritage.

Highlights

Forests are the source of many ecological goods and services for humanity
The maximum likelihood-based classification performed on Landsat images (2017, 2003 and 1984) identified the five land use classes (Fig. 3, 4, 5): Figure 3 Land cover map for the year 1984
The spatio-temporal analysis of land cover shows a regressive dynamic of the natural environment in the Aurès region, with regard to the study period (1984-2003-2017)

Summary

Introduction

Forests are the source of many ecological goods and services for humanity They are the foundation for biodiversity conservation and condition the presence of animal and plant species (Tabopda, Huynh, 2009; Tankoano, 2017). Natural resources are of great importance in the development of societies and their preservation is a real challenge They are elements of the physical environment that people use directly or indirectly to satisfy their monetary and domestic food needs (Mercoiret, 1994). These natural resources are almost permanently subject to human and animal menace, to which vegetation is no longer able to respond and maintain itself. These activities lead to dysfunctions in terrestrial ecosystems and loss of biodiversity (Roche, 1998)

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