Mapping the Site of Biological and Ecological Interest of Rganat-Bouchkal (Tsili) Argan forest (Moroccan Central Plateau) using remote sensing

Abstract

This work aims at developing a precise map of the distribution of Argan tree within Rganat-Bouchkal (Tsili) site which is considered as Sites of Biological and Ecological Interest (SBEI) with high biogeographic value. The methodological approach is based on the use of PLEIADES satellite image with a very high spatial resolution of 0.5m. A supervised classification was performed to develop an original map of the distribution of the Argan tree and the other accompanying species. The numerical method was also adopted to highlight the different factors influencing the distribution and the stat of the Rganat-Bouchkal (Tsili) SBEI stand. The results of this classification made it possible to map more than 770 feet of Argan trees located mainly on the slopes oriented South and South-East, on steepest slopes. The numerical method shows that the exposure factor and the edaphic factor explain mainly the distribution of SBEI species. Small stand either in the form of clumps or isolated feet, the Argan tree of Rganat-Bouchkal (Tsili) appears in a very degraded state, translating a massive exploitation of the tree cover and shrubby by the local population (example: abusive cutting and overgrazing).