Algerian Populations Research Articles

Housing as Battleground: Targeting the City in the Battles of Algiers

AbstractIn the months preceding the Algerian war for independence, the mayor of Algiers declared a much‐publicized “battle for housing” through which new apartment complexes were intended to replace the rapidly proliferating bidonvilles, or shantytowns, along the capital city's urban periphery. The declaration in 1956 of a state of emergency in French Algeria marked a shift from the rhetorical framing of mass housing estates as tools of pacification to the overt militarization of residential areas with majority Muslim Algerian populations, areas that were thereafter subject to direct military control and surveillance. By reading evidence gleaned from military reports against substantially different accounts of the city at war by Mouloud Feraoun and others, this essay traces the radical urban transformations effected in Algiers under cover of war as well as the multiple means by which inhabitants actively rewrote these same spaces as battlegrounds. In the process, significant links are revealed between new models of emergency housing and new policies to eliminate the bidonville (shantytown) that were developed in Algiers during the war and later implemented on a grand scale in France. Taking advantage of the state of exception in a war that was not acknowledged as such, the military played an active role in the provision of housing, the policing of residents, and the thoroughgoing transformation of the urban landscape in Algiers. [Algeria, war, colonialism, urban space, housing, shantytowns]

In vitro propagation of the relict laperinne’s olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. Laperrinei)

Olea europaea L. subsp. laperrinei (Oleaceae) is an endemic taxon of the mountainous regions of central Sahara, consisting of currently fragmented and small relict populations. The tree can propagate vegetatively or by seed, but no recent natural regeneration was observed in the Algerian massive populations, some of which are considered threatened with extinction. Sterile triploid individuals were also identified in some populations showing increasing vigour. As a result of its long persistence and despite its rarity, the Laperrine’s olive is an iconic component of Saharan mountain ecosystems. The aim of this study is to develop an efficient micropropagation protocol for both diploid and triploid Laperrine’s olive to safeguard and preserve this genetic resource. Best shoot propagation was obtained on a modified Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 9.2 μM zeatin. Best rooting rate of regenerated shoots was achieved on the same culture medium supplemented with 4.8 μM indole-3-butyric acid. In absence of morphological changes of in vitro regenerated plants acclimatized to the greenhouse, genetic conformity was assessed by simple sequence repeat screening. Our results suggest that in vitro propagation could be a useful tool for conservation of both diploid and triploid threatened Laperrine’s olive.

Phylogeny, age structure, growth dynamics and colour pattern of the Salamandra algira algira population in the Edough Massif, northeastern Algeria

The distribution of the Fire Salamander in North Africa is discontinuous and the Edough Peninsula, Algeria, is considered as the eastern edge of the distribution area. In the current study, we establish a description of the Salamandra algira algira population in its type locality. In this context, an analysis of the mitochondrial DNA D-loop of 47 sequences comes to confirm the phylogenetic status of our population with regard to the other Algerian and Moroccan populations. Also, we used the skeletochronological method for establishing the age structure of the population. Maximum longevity reached 18 years, with a high frequency of young adults, which suggests a good survival of the juveniles. The growth of males is faster than that of the females, although the maximum size of the males is 180 mm, while that of the females is 210 mm. The Edough’s salamander’s phenotype is characterized by multiple small white spots dispersed in different parts of the body (belly, sides, legs and throat) and a high number of large red spots. These red spots are surrounded by a ring of small white spots on the lower part of the body and sometimes on the legs, thus creating specific eyespots that are often aligned along the lower sides.

Genetic diversity and structuring across the range of a widely distributed ladybird: focus on rear-edge populations phenotypically divergent.

Population genetics and phenotypic structures are often predicted to vary along the geographic range of a species. This phenomenon would be accentuated for species with large range areas, with discontinuities and marginal populations. We herein compare the genetic patterns of central populations of Coccinella septempunctata L. with those of two phenotypically differentiated populations considered as rear‐edge populations and subspecies based on phenotype (Algeria and Japan). According to the central‐marginal model and expected characteristics of rear‐edge populations, we hypothesize that these rear‐edge populations have (1) a reduced genetic diversity, resulting from their relative isolation over long periods of time, (2) a higher population genetic differentiation, explained by low contemporary gene flow levels, and (3) a relationship between genetic diversity characteristics and phenotypes, due to historical isolation and/or local adaptation. Based on genotyping of 28 populations for 18 microsatellite markers, several levels of regional genetic diversity and differentiation are observed between and within populations, according to their localization: low within‐population genetic diversity and higher genetic differentiation of rear‐edge populations. The genetic structuring clearly dissociates the Algerian and Eastern Asia populations from the others. Geographical patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation support the hypothesis of the central‐marginal model. The pattern observed is in agreement with the phenotypic structure across species range. A clear genetic break between populations of Algeria, the Eastern Asia, and the remaining populations is a dominant feature of the data. Differential local adaptations, absence of gene flow between marginal and central populations, and/or incapacity to mate after colonization, have contributed to their distinct genotypic and phenotypic characteristics.

North African hybrid sparrows (Passer domesticus, P. hispaniolensis) back from oblivion - ecological segregation and asymmetric mitochondrial introgression between parental species.

A stabilized hybrid form of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and the Spanish sparrow (P. hispaniolensis) is known as Passer italiae from the Italian Peninsula and a few Mediterranean islands. The growing attention for the Italian hybrid sparrow and increasing knowledge on its biology and genetic constitution greatly contrast the complete lack of knowledge of the long‐known phenotypical hybrid sparrow populations from North Africa. Our study provides new data on the breeding biology and variation of mitochondrial DNA in three Algerian populations of house sparrows, Spanish sparrows, and phenotypical hybrids. In two field seasons, the two species occupied different breeding habitats: Spanish sparrows were only found in rural areas outside the cities and bred in open‐cup nests built in large jujube bushes. In contrast, house sparrows bred only in the town centers and occupied nesting holes in walls of buildings. Phenotypical hybrids were always associated with house sparrow populations. House sparrows and phenotypical hybrids started breeding mid of March, and most pairs had three successive clutches, whereas Spanish sparrows started breeding almost one month later and had only two successive clutches. Mitochondrial introgression is strongly asymmetric because about 75% of the rural Spanish sparrow population carried house sparrow haplotypes. In contrast, populations of the Italian hybrid form, P. italiae, were genetically least diverse among all study populations and showed a near‐fixation of house sparrow haplotypes that elsewhere were extremely rare or that were even unique for the Italian Peninsula. Such differences between mitochondrial gene pools of Italian and North African hybrid sparrow populations provide first evidence that different demographic histories have shaped the extant genetic diversity observed on both continents.

Morphological and molecular identification of potato and cereal cyst nematode isolates from Algeria and their phylogenetic relationships with other populations from distant theirgeographical areas

A nematode survey conducted in 2013 in Algeria, revealed that potato cyst nematodes (PCN) and cereal cyst nematodes (CCN) are widely distributed in several potato and cereal growing regions of the country. Sixteen PCN populations from five localities and five CCN populations from four of these localities were collected and characterized at the morphological and molecular levels. The PCN populations were identified as Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida occurring separately or in mixed populations. Two species of CCN were detected. Heterodera avenae was found in four localities, whereas H. hordecalis only in one locality in association with H. avenae. The morphological and morphometric identification of PCN and CCN was confirmed by diagnostic ITS-RFLP profiles and sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, D2-D3 expansion domains of the 28S rRNA gene and 18S rRNA gene was made for PCN and CCN populations. Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis from Algeria show great similarity with European and South American populations. Because of the high divergence among Algerian populations of G. pallida and G. rostochiensis it can be assumed that they were multi-introduced in Algeria. The most divergent population of G. pallida, that formed a well-separated group with some populations from Chile and Peru, suggests a later or independent introduction of this population into Algeria. Heterodera avenae and H. hordecalis formed a well-supported cluster with the corresponding populations.

Heterogeneous road networks have no apparent effect on the genetic structure of small mammal populations

Roads are widely recognized to represent a barrier to individual movements and, conversely, verges can act as potential corridors for the dispersal of many small mammals. Both barrier and corridor effects should generate a clear spatial pattern in genetic structure. Nevertheless, the effect of roads on the genetic structure of small mammal populations still remains unclear. In this study, we examine the barrier effect that different road types (4-lane highway, 2-lane roads and single-lane unpaved roads) may have on the population genetic structure of three species differing in relevant life history traits: southern water vole Arvicola sapidus, the Mediterranean pine vole Microtus duodecimcostatus and the Algerian mouse Mus spretus. We also examine the corridor effect of highway verges on the Mediterranean pine vole and the Algerian mouse. We analysed the population structure through pairwise estimates of FST among subpopulations bisected by roads, identified genetic clusters through Bayesian assignment approaches, and used simple and partial Mantel tests to evaluate the relative barrier or corridor effect of roads. No strong evidences were found for an effect of roads on population structure of these three species. The barrier effect of roads seems to be site-specific and no corridor effect of verges was found for the pine vole and Algerian mouse populations. The lack of consistent results among species and for each road type lead us to believe that the ability of individual dispersers to use those crossing structures or the habitat quality in the highway verges may have a relatively higher influence on gene flow among populations than the presence of crossing structures per se. Further research should include microhabitat analysis and the estimates of species abundance to understand the mechanisms that underlie the genetic structure observed at some sites.

Analysis of the Behaviour and the Chemical Composition Within Algerian Populations of Trifolium subterraneum L.

Analysis of the Behaviour and the Chemical Composition Within Algerian Populations of Trifolium subterraneum L.

A new North African subspecies in the Helianthemum origanifolium aggregate (H. subg. Plectolobum, Cistaceae)

The Helianthemum origanifolium aggregate is widely diversified, with several subspecies distributed in the western Mediterranean basin. Populations from Morocco and Algeria have been usually referred either to H. origanigolium subsp. origanifolium or to H. origanifolium subsp. molle, a taxon usually considered an eastern Iberian endemic. Detailed studies of those Moroccan and Algerian populations revealed a unique combination of constant macro- and micromorphological traits, allowing the description of a new subspecies to accommodate them, H. origanifolium subsp. africanum. Some floral and fruit characters, together with SEM observations of the indumentum, were found to be reliable and diagnostic for differentiating the new taxon with regard to the other subspecies of the aggregate. Data on the ecology and distribution are also reported for this new subspecies, as well as affinities and divergences with other closely allied taxa are also discussed.

Inferring the roles of vicariance, climate and topography in population differentiation inSalamandra algira(Caudata, Salamandridae)

Integrating information from species occurrence data, environmental variables and molecular markers can provide valuable insights about the processes of population persistence and differentiation. In this study, we present the most comprehensive overview of the evolutionary history of the North African salamander Salamandra algira (Caudata, Salamandridae) to date, including analyses of climatic and topographical variables, and sequences of two mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA fragments, with a special focus on Algerian populations, under-represented in previous studies. Coalescent-based phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA data recover four well-supported population groups corresponding to described subspecies, with a western clade including populations in north-western Morocco (with two subclades corresponding to the subspecies tingitana and splendens), and an eastern clade including populations from north-eastern Morocco (subspecies spelaea) and Algeria (subspecies algira). Inferred split times between major clades date back to the Miocene, with additional splits within each major clade in the Plio-Pleistocene. Present climatic (aridity) and topographical factors account for geographical discontinuities across population groups and help identify potential areas of secondary contact between clades corresponding to the subspecies tingitana and splendens in the Rif mountains in Morocco. Niche analysis indicates the absence of phylogenetic signal in the use of environmental space in this species.

Phenotypic, molecular and technological characterization of autochthonous lactobacilli strains isolated from cow’s milk and goat of Algerian populations

The raw milk is an important reservoir of microbial diversity can have important biotechnological applications, in particular to improve the unique characteristics of dairy products. To this end, eight isolated autochthonous lactobacilli strains from raw goat milk and cow Algeria’s local populations (Setifienne and Kabyle). The strains were then identified by phenotypic and molecular approaches by amplification and sequencing of 16S rDNA as Lb.casei (C4, C5, V2 and V5), Lb. paracasei (C6) and Lb.plantarum (C7, C8, C10). Virtually all the strains studied, from a technological point of view, produced lactic acid concentrations at or above 0.89g.100 mL -1 . Most strains exhibit a high capacity and are actively producing proteolytic proteases in the stationary phase between 24 and 30 hours. The strains studied can be used in the starter cultures or co-cultures for making cheese.

Creating National Heroes: Colonial Rule, Anticolonial Politics and Conflicting Memories of Emir ‘Abd al-Qadir in Algeria, 1900–1960s

During Algeria’s late-colonial period, Emir ‘Abd al-Qadir became an embattled figure in public memory. This article examines how Algerian and European social actors endeavored to use him as an important source of legitimacy in their struggles over colonial rule. It shows how the legacy of the emir was increasingly subject to competing claims that cast him either as an Algerian national hero or a French one. Public memory thus functioned as a dynamic zone of social negotiation marked by interactions across the colonizer–colonized divide and by frictions among the European and Algerian populations with reverberations into the postcolonial period.

Phylogeographic relationships and shallow mitochondrial divergence of Algerian populations of Salamandra algira

The North African fire salamander, Salamandra algira, is distributed in Algeria, Morocco and Ceuta (Spanish territory located on the north coast of Africa), but until now rather limited information has been available on the populations across the Algerian part of its range. We here provide a first analysis of the phylogeography of this species in Algeria, based on 44 samples from populations distributed across 15 localities in Central Algeria. We sequenced three segments of mitochondrial DNA, covering 12S rRNA, cytochrome b (Cytb) and the D-loop. The mtDNA sequences of the Algerian samples were strongly different from the Moroccan populations occurring west of the Moulouya River (corresponding to the subspecies S. a. tingitana and S. a. splendens) but sister to the genetically rather similar population from the Beni Snassen Massif in eastern Morocco (subspecies S. algira spelaea). Among the Algerian specimens studied, those from the westernmost site, Chrea Massif, were the sister clade to the remaining populations, and the overall genetic divergence was low, with a maximum of five mutational steps in a 295 bp fragment of cytochrome b.

Chromosome number, genome size, seed storage protein profile and competence for direct somatic embryo formation in Algerian annual Medicago species

The genome size of eight species from different wild Algerian populations of diploid and one tetraploid Medicago L., initially analysed for chromosome numbers and seed storage proteins, has been assessed by flow cytometry. Genome size ranged from 2C = 0.94 pg in Medicago orbicularis (L.) Bartal. to 2C = 1.80 pg in Medicago laciniata (L.) Miller. The competence for direct somatic embryo formation in liquid medium was studied for 4 of these species having distinct genome sizes: M. orbicularis (2C = 0.94 pg); M. truncatula Gaertn. (2C = 1.08 pg); M. scutellata (L.) Miller (2C = 1.11 pg); M. arabica (L.) Huds. (2C = 1.22 pg). M. orbicularis, with the smallest genome size, formed somatic embryos most quickly, with a high frequency of reactive explants and with numerous somatic embryos per explant. It was followed by M. truncatula, M. scutellata and M. arabica, which in fact represents the order of increasing genome size.

Pasiphaeid shrimps in the western Mediterranean: geographical variability in distribution and population patterns

This work aimed to analyse the main characteristics of the bathymetric and geographic distribution, population size structure and size at maturity of the continental slope caridean shrimps Pasiphaea sivado and Pasiphaea multidentata in the western Mediterranean, as well as to try to relate the patterns obtained with geomorphologic and hydrographic characteristics. The study area encompassed the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula. In both species, marked differences in depth distribution, density, and population size structure were found between Algerian basin populations, particularly in the Alboran Sea, and those in the Catalano-Balearic basin. Both shrimps showed a shallower bathymetric range in the westernmost region of the Algerian basin than in the rest of geographic sectors, linked to the occurrence of upwelling areas on the northwestern edges of the Alboran Sea. Populations of P. sivado reached larger densities, sizes and maturity size in the Algerian basin. No recruitment of P. multidentata was detected in the Algerian basin, whereas it was present in the Catalano-Balearic basin. In both species, the window range of bottom temperature and salinity was larger in juveniles than in adults. These different distribution and population dynamics imply that ecological functioning of these species differs between the two geomorphological basins of the western Mediterranean Sea.

A molecular analysis of the patterns of genetic diversity in local chickens from western Algeria in comparison with commercial lines and wild jungle fowls.

The objectives of this study were to characterize the genetic variability of village chickens from three agro-ecological regions of western Algeria: coastal (CT), inland plains (IP) and highlands (HL), to reveal any underlying population structure, and to evaluate potential genetic introgression from commercial lines into local populations. A set of 233 chickens was genotyped with a panel of 23 microsatellite markers. Geographical coordinates were individually recorded. Eight reference populations were included in the study to investigate potential gene flow: four highly selected commercial pure lines and four lines of French slow-growing chickens. Two populations of wild red jungle fowls were also genotyped to compare the range of diversity between domestic and wild fowls. A genetic diversity analysis was conducted both within and between populations. Multivariate redundancy analyses were performed to assess the relative influence of geographical location among Algerian ecotypes. The results showed a high genetic variability within the Algerian population, with 184 alleles and a mean number of 8.09 alleles per locus. The values of heterozygosity (He and Ho) ranged from 0.55 to 0.62 in Algerian ecotypes and were smaller than values found in Jungle fowl populations and higher than values found in commercial populations. Although the structuring analysis of genotypes did not reveal clear subpopulations within Algerian ecotypes, the supervised approach using geographical data showed a significant (p<0.01) differentiation between the three ecotypes which was mainly due to altitude. Thus, the genetic diversity of Algerian ecotypes may be under the influence of two factors with contradictory effects: the geographical location and climatic conditions may induce some differentiation, whereas the high level of exchanges and gene flow may suppress it. Evidence of gene flow between commercial and Algerian local populations was observed, which may be due to unrecorded crossing with commercial chickens. Chicken ecotypes from western Algeria are characterized by a high genetic diversity and must be safeguarded as an important reservoir of genetic diversity.

Caractérisation écologique de l’habitat naturel du Trèfle souterrain (Trifolium subterraneum L., Fabaceae) dans le Nord-Est de l’Algérie

Ecological characterization of the Subterraneum Clover (Trifolium subterraneum L., Fabaceae) natural habitat in Northeastern Algeria. Within the framework of the evaluation and valorization of the plant genetic resources bearing a fodder and pastoral interest in Algeria, a study was carried out about the ecological characterization of the Subterraneum Clover natural habitat. Following a prospecting and collecting mission conducted in the northeastern part of the country, thirty nine (39) Subterraneum Clover sites were identified. For each site, three soil samples were taken randomly (117 samples). Sixteen (16) physical and chemical parameters of soils (pH, electric conductivity, total limestone, total nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, carbon, organic matter, C/ N ratio, particle composition) were analysed. Two (02) additional variables, linked to the topography (altitude) and to the climate (rainfall) of the natural habitat of the species were as well taken into account. The variance analysis showed highly significant results for the whole physical and chemical characteristics of the soils taken into consideration. Thus, the Subterraneum Clover seems to be adapted to unsalted and calcareous soils, characterized by rather diverse textures (clay, clayey loam, loamy sand, sandy clay loam, loam) and a pH varying from 6.46 to 8.64 (slightly acid, neutral, slightly alkaline, alkaline). The record of Algerian populations of Subterranean Clover on frankly alkaline soils appears as the first one for some subspecies and/ or varieties of the species T. subterraneum. The Subterraneum Clover seems as well to tolerate soils whose phosphorus and potassium content are variable and the C/ N ratio relatively high. Significant relations were noticed between altitude and rainfall, on the one hand and some soil physical and chemical parameters on the other, with a relatively stronger influence of the first factor (altitude). The pH seems to vary with the natural habitat altitude of the different populations of Subterraneum Clover. The use and valorization of this clover, in different edaphical and climatic conditions, would permit the development of marginal regions, mainly the ones located in mountainous regions to which the species seems to be well adapted.

Reproduction performances of a synthetic rabbit line and rabbits of of local populations in Algeria, in 2 breeding locations

The aim of this study was to compare the production of a synthetic line (Syn) of rabbits to that of 2 local Algerian populations (W and Loc). The Syn line was obtained from the crossbreeding of a well adapted local population frequently used in Algerian familial farms (Loc) with a more productive French strain. The W population is maintained by a public cooperative and is used mainly in Kabylia region; it is called “white” because of its albino phenotype. Rabbits were placed under the same experimental conditions in 2 rabbitries of a state technical institute. In Baba Ali (Algiers), 50 does of each genotype were raised during 2 yr. In Lamtar (Sidi Bel Abbes), 30 does of the Syn line and 30 of Loc population were compared during 16 mo of production. Natural mating was used 10-11 d after parturition. Kits were weaned at 33-35 d. Litter size and litter weights were measured at birth and weaning. In both locations Syn dams were heavier than those of the other genotypes: (3616, 3464 and 3305 g for Syn, W and Loc in Baba Ali, and 3592 and 3173 for Syn and Loc in Lamtar; P&lt;0.001). The observed litter sizes showed a superiority (P&lt;0.001) of the Syn line compared to W and Loc does at birth time (8.76, 6.78 and 6.19 for Syn, W and Loc in Baba Ali, and 8.02 and 5.90 for Syn and Loc in Lamtar) and at weaning (6.85, 5.83 and 5.44 for Syn, W and Loc in Baba Ali, and 6.61 and 5.15 for Syn and Loc in Lamtar; P&lt;0.001). Most probably as a consequence of the important difference in litter sizes, average individual weight at weaning was weaker for the synthetic line than for the Loc population: 543 vs. 563 g in Baba Ali and 561 vs. 621 g in Lamtar. For the W population in Baba Ali, the weaning weight was similar to that of the Loc population: 565 vs. 563 g. There were no genotype×season interactions which changed the genotypes ranking, and the Syn line performances were more regular from one season to the other than those of the 2 other genotypes. This means that the synthetic line is well adapted to local climatic conditions. Thus, this comparison confirms the interest of this more prolific and more regular synthetic line to develop rabbit production in Algeria.

English

The present study estimated the diversity of seed storage salt-soluble proteins of Algerian populations of Medicago ciliaris species, for understanding biochemical and molecular features involved in response during plant stress adaptation. Eleven patterns of M. ciliaris populations with two moderate sensitive ecotypes to NaCl, two reference genotypes and seven prospecting populations near and far from a strongly salted area (Sebkha of Oran) were investigated by one dimensional electrophoresis SDS-PAGE. The results show that the proteins profiles were very similar with 10 to 12 bands profiles about all populations, after electrophoresis in denaturing conditions; but an 80 kDa band was visible only on population from Sebkha origin, where the salt content in the soil is the highest one. It appears that, this globulin protein is related to salt tolerance and could be used as SDS-AGE markers for differentiating between tolerating and sensible M. ciliaris populations to salt stress. &nbsp; Key words: Oran Great Sebkha, annual Medicago ciliaris, seed storage salt-soluble proteins, sodium dodecyl sulfate- poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) markers.

Genetic assessment of Algerian honeybee populations by microsatellite markers

The genetic diversity and structure of 414 honeybee workers from eight different populations in Algeria were analyzed using 14 polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci. The results showed that the honeybee populations were characterized by substantial genetic variation in terms of the average number of alleles and the degree of heterozygosity. Most populations were at Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Phylogenetic and population structure analyses confirmed the African origin of the studied Algerian populations and clustered them in a group distinct from evolutionary lineages West Mediterranean (M), North Mediterranean (C), and Oriental (O). Structure analyses revealed weak allelic introgression from both lineages M and C. High genetic variability was found within the Algerian populations. Two honeybee subspecies, Apis mellifera intermissa and Apis mellifera sahariensis, were present. However, to delimit the natural spread area of A. mellifera sahariensis, more samples from southern Algerian are needed.