Threats affecting the distribution of Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex L. and its associated species in the Western Mediterranean desert of Egypt: Perspectives of conservation

Abstract

The current study intends to evaluate the many hazards affecting the spread of the significant fodder grass Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex. L. and its associated species in Egypt's Western Mediterranean Desert over the past 60 years (from 1958 to 2020); depending on the data of the previous literature and the current situation evaluation by recent field trips. It also aims to assess its ecosystem services. Sixty-nine stands were collected from previous studies and unpublished data, in addition to 30 stands (10 m2) were added including 5 field trips during the period from spring 2019 to spring 2020. Measurements were taken to create a classification of this vegetation and to determine the main threats that affect its distribution composition. There are 142 species associated with the distribution of the studied plant in 6 habitats. While only 107 species were recorded in the recent stands in 7 habitats. Vegetation groups (G1- G8) obtained from TWINSPAN classification indicating that G1 (wadis) is the most diverse group with a species richness 34.7 species per stand, while G6 (dune) has the highest species turnover (4.57) during the period of 1958 to 2014. But in recent stands; G5 (saline and non-saline depression) is the most diverse group (30.875), while G2 (dunes) has the highest species turnover (4.819). Medicinal plants are the most represented (79.86%), followed by grazing plants (72.9%). The most common service is sand stabilization (92% of total services), followed by windbreak (natural) (40%). Threatened species represent 92.4%; habitat loss is the most affected threat (95 species), followed by over-collecting and over-cutting (82 species). Twenty out of 99 stands (20.2% of the total stands) have been destroyed due to human activity. Continuous monitoring of remaining patches of Egypt’s northwestern Mediterranean coast was required to save its natural flora from extinction.