Algerian Steppe Research Articles

Livestock Breeders’ Conflicts in the Steppe Rangelands of Naâma Region (Western Algeria)

Sheep farming represents a very important activity in the Algerian steppe, unfortunately it is in a critical situation following climate changes, decreases in rangelands and the rise in the prices of livestock feed, this has created conflicting situations between breeders. The competition for access to steppe spaces and the use of natural resources are at the origin of several conflicts between the actors of the steppe. In this article, we tried to present in a brief way the nature and rate of existing conflicts between pastoralists, and compliance with current legislation which aims to protect the plant cover and soil. The approach taken to carry out this analysis is based on a field survey whose target population is the holders of the herd. The sample size exceeds 364 surveyed spread across the 12 municipalities in our study area. Our work shows that one-fifth of respondents suffer from conflectual situations, either against a legal person or natural persons, while four-fifths endure no strife. In addition, the comparison between two periods (2010 - 2014 and 2015 – 2019) shows that the average number of established and trained offence report by forest administration concerning “illicit grazing” had doubled. The solution consists in cleaning up the steppe against illegal monopolies, accompanied by awareness-raising activities for a better awareness of residents to change their bad behavior. Finally, the competent authorities are required to find alternatives to enable farmers to carry out their activities properly.

Drought and aridity trends on the Algerian steppe

Drought and aridity trends on the Algerian steppe

Aspects of the ecosystem services threatened by desertification in Algerian steppe rangelands: concepts, status and stakes

This study focuses on the imminent threat of desertification within Djelfa's steppe grazing lands, emphasizing its implications for land management and the sustainability of livestock practices. The methodology adopted employs a stringent approach that commences with a precise definition of desertification as a critical risk. It then proceeds to thoroughly assess the susceptibility of the local ecosystem to this phenomenon and delineates its consequential impact on both the human inhabitants and the surrounding environment. This comprehensive analysis effectively contextualizes human activities within the sphere of desertification's influence. Methodologically, the study employs a multidimensional framework to categorize the array of environmental goods and services rendered by these grazing lands. By identifying the beneficiaries associated with each service, the research aims to elucidate the complex threat posed at various levels. Crucially, the findings highlight the severe jeopardy that desertification imposes, not only endangering essential resources vital for extensive livestock production but also triggering a decline in invaluable environmental goods pivotal for the sustainability of the ecosystem and activities supporting human welfare. Statistically substantiated through an integration of diverse methodologies such as field surveys, satellite imagery analysis, and stakeholder consultations, this study validates the correlations between desertification and the degradation of ecosystem services. It provides empirical evidence showcasing the gradual decline of grazing lands, thereby compelling an urgent call for intervention strategies. In summary, this research underscores the urgent need for holistic strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of desertification. Its findings provide critical insights into the complex dynamics between human activities, ecosystem vulnerabilities, and the looming threat of desertification. It emphasizes the necessity for immediate collective action and sustainable resource management practices to safeguard ecosystems, ensure long-term sustainability, and protect the well-being of communities in Djelfa and beyond.

Integration of pastoral fencing areas in sheep feed management systems in the Algerian steppe: Case of Tiaret region

Integration of pastoral fencing areas in sheep feed management systems in the Algerian steppe: Case of Tiaret region

Effect of Salinity and Drought on the Germination of Lygeum spartum L. in the Region of Saïda (Western Algerian Steppe)

Abstract Albardine (Lygeum spartum L.) is one of the major native grass species of the semi-arid and arid regions of the Mediterranean basin. In Algeria, it is much more widespread on the high plateaus of southern Oranais. This species occupies an important place in the steppe region because it has many ecological, economic, and fodder interests. The present work aims to study the tolerance of L. spartum seeds to water and salt stress, two abiotic factors that affect the physiology of the plant during the germinal stage. The methodology adopted consists of using increasing concentrations under a controlled temperature (15°C) for 21 days of germination. The germination responses of the seeds to different degrees of salt stress induced by NaCl (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 g/l) and water stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG;−2, -4, -6, -8, −10 bar), showed that the salt and water stresses retarded the germination rate of L. spartum L. seeds and also decreased their percentage during the time of the experiment. However, seeds soaked in distilled water (control) recorded a maximum germination rate of 80%. The results of this study show that L. spartum seeds are moderately salt and drought tolerant with a depressive effect on germination rate at a salt concentration of 10g/l and an osmotic pressure of −10 bar.

Investigating the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria isolates on germination and physiology status of durum wheat under salt stress

The aim of this work is to evaluate the seedling growth and physiology status of wheat seeds inoculated with a suspension of eight plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolates. For this purpose, rhizobacteria strains were isolated from the roots of native plants growing in the Algerian steppe, then evaluated for their plant growth promotion (PGP) features, and finally applied on wheat seeds. The obtained results showed that the majority of the tested strains displayed pertinent PGP features. In in vitro experiments, results showed that salinity affected negatively seed germination and impaired plant growth while the inoculation with BC3, BC6 and BC7 strains induced a good germination rate and improved significantly the root length. In greenhouse experience, data demonstrated that non-inoculated plants accumulated a significant amount of osmoregulators (proline and glycine betaine), and recorded a decrease of their chlorophyll content, compared to inoculated plants, where the salinity tolerance of this latter has been much better with a high seedling growth as well as high chlorophyll and low osmolyte contents. The results may be a useful extension of our knowledge of the interaction between plant and PGPR, in view of their possible applications as a biofertilizer to improve plant growth in salinity-impacted regions.

Floristic diversity of the steppe area of Tissemsilt, Northwest of Algeria

Abstract. Guemou L, Fellah S, Mairif M, Chouhim KML, Moussaoui B, Bouzemarene IN, Boubekeur C. 2023. Floristic diversity of the steppe area of Tissemsilt, Northwest of Algeria. Biodiversitas 24: 2483-2491. This study uses a stigmatist phytoecological technique to survey and evaluate the plant diversity of the Tissemsilt steppe region. The floristic analysis allowed us to draw up a list of 105 taxa, including 86 genera distributed across 34 families with a dominance of Asteraceae (24.76%), Poaceae (9.5%), and Fabaceae (8.6%). The comparison of the different biological types showed the importance of Therophytes (51.42%) that adapt well to environmental conditions. On the biogeographical level, our study affirmed the affinity of the Algerian steppe vegetation with the Mediterranean flora. The methodology adopted for the biodiversity measurement through the flora analysis using several ecological indexes has disclosed an important diversity through the Shannon index (4.96). At the same time, the Evenness of Pielou indicated regularity in the distribution of species (0.73). However, the perturbation index (63.8%) revealed an environment opening. It confirmed the presence of the phenomenon of Therophytization in this region by the dominance of Therophytes annual species more or less needing trophic, water resources and opening areas.

Osmoprotection by proline accumulation induced by rainfall variations in three steppe plants species Aristida pungens, Retama raetam and Astragalus armatus under Mediterranean Arid bioclimate

Since the middle of the last century, the Algerian steppe vegetation has been in continuous decline, which could be subject to environmental constraints that go against the sustainable development of a fragile environment exposed to climatic variations. Good management of this environment would be based on understanding the mechanisms of tolerance of steppe plant communities to the rainfall variations of the territory where they live. In the present study, for four years (2019- 2022), during the spring season, under arid bioclimate in the central Algerian Laghouat steppe region (Mokrane site), the relative water content (RCW) and the accumulated proline content were measured in the fresh leaves of three plant species (R. raetam, A. armatus and A. pungens). Also, a climatic synthesis of the study site was carried out. The aridity index of the site was found to be 0.06, and annual rainfall differences > 150 mm have sometimes been observed. The site is characterized by 11 months of drought over the year. During the 04 years, 2019 was the rainiest year receiving 238.88mm precipitation. During the 04 years of measurement, RCW revealed the existence of significant differences (P<0.05) for each of the three species. In R. raetam, the RWC was between 18.6 and 49.6%; for A. armatus 12 and 33.31% and for A. pungens 12.04 and 77.42% respectively. Between 2019 and 2022, the proline content also showed significant differences (P<0.05) for each of the three species. In R. raetam it was between 0.13- 1.4 mmol/g FM, for A. armatus between 0.26 - 0.96 mmol/g FM and between 0.20 -1.12 mmol/g FM for A. pungens. Pearson correlations revealed that annual cumulative rains were weakly correlated with RWC, but the correlation was strong and in a negative direction with accumulated proline. These results demonstrated that adaptation of the three species to rainfall variations is based on a tolerance mechanism driven by proline synthesis.

Assessment of the role of the protected land in the preservation of the steppe in Southwest Algeria (Case of the Rogassa Region)

In the Algerian steppe (Rogassa) overgrazing led to the reduction of the surface of the pasture land and its biodiversity. The objective of this work was to highlight the importance of the protected land in maintaining biodiversity and preserving the degraded areas. A mixed sampling for the two different sites was adopted, where fifty floristic surveys were conducted using the Braun-Blanquet method. The analysis of the real biological spectrum of the unprotected land was marked by the strong dominance of the therophytes. However, in the protected land the chamaephytes dominated all of the biological types. The analysis of the biogeographic spectra revealed the reappearance of the endemic species (+3%). The Shannon Index was very important in this matter (2.43). The Student’s t-test of the biodiversity’s index showed a highly significant difference between the two sites. The ascending hierarchical classification revealed that the protected land is subdivided into four groups dominated respectively by: Macrochloa tenacissima, Lygeum spartum, Artemisia erba-alba and Hordeum murinum. The results of the Jaccard dissimilarity index indicated a strong difference of the order of 80% between the two areas.

The use of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems in Monitoring drought the Algerian steppe

The present study aims to use remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) in monitoring and detecting droughts in the steppe regions (Tiaret city as a model) during the period (2002-2022). In pursuit of this aim, some indicators were used, such as the surface temperature index (LST), soil moisture index (SMI), standardized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and aridity index (AI). Depending on the Terra satellite's visuals, which are specialized in observing the earth and tracking changes that may occur in it. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the extent to which the Algerian steppe regions, particularly the southern ones, are vulnerable to drought as a result of the climatic changes that the globe is experiencing in general. This is confirmed by the indicators that were used in this study (LST), (SMI), ( NDVI), (and AI), In addition to this, unregulated activities, such as grazing, unplanned reclamation, and others, have exacerbated the severity of the problem, and in order to safeguard this environment, it must be regularly monitored and protected.

Using of remote sensing and geographic information systems In the study of the vegetation cover index in Algerian steppes

The present research paper aims to study and shed light on the spatial change of vegetation coverage in the Algerian steppe region. The investigation is based on remote sensing and geographic information systems through the analysis of satellite visuals in calculating the vegetation coverage index (Ndvi) for three different periods 1985 and 2022, with consideration to remote sensing and information systems. Geography is among the most important digital means that work to collect, analyze and study the geographical field in all its dimensions, and it also works to follow up on the changes taking place in it. The latter shows the most important changes in the vegetation cover in the study area.

The social driving forces of desertification in the high Algerian steppe plains

The sedentarization of shepherds at the margins of the desert and the introduction of private land ownership in the high Algerian steppe plains has led to profound lifestyle transformations and increased desertification. Based on policy analysis, field observations and oral surveys with 188 household heads, this paper underlines the social drivers of desertification where short-term economic strategies and political misunderstanding are the key elements. Agro-forestry-pastoral practices are no longer in balance with the local environment. Assembling the puzzle pieces has underlined that political leaders and administrators are only partially familiar with the local geosystem, have implemented multiple unsuccessful measures, and have been unable to sufficiently learn (from their efforts) due to political instability. The paper shows that the sedentarization occurring in this fragile environment with low soil fertility creates rural systems that are less resilient to climate fluctuations, which severely impacts both the environment and the most vulnerable inhabitants.

The use of sensors and GIS in studying the dynamics of vegetation coverage in the Algerian steppes

The present research aims to study the dynamics of vegetation coverage in the Algerian steppe region. In order to calculate the vegetation coverage index (Ndvi) for three distinct time periods between 1984 and 2022, we used satellite imagery analysis and remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). Remote sensing and GIS are two of the most significant digital tools for gathering, analyzing, and studying the geographic field in all of its dimensions. They also help track changes that are occurring in that field. The changes that were known to the vegetation cover in the study area, and we also employed the Union icon in the Arcmap program in order to know the most important changes that occurred.

Feeding Behaviour of a Testudo Graeca Whitei Population in Mergueb Nature Reserve, Algeria

The diet of a population of the Spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca whitei), in the Mergueb Nature Reserve in the Algerian steppe, was studied by direct observation. This tortoise population was fed selectively during the month of April when out of 40 different plant species as potential food, only 11 species were consumed. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2021, 7(2): 55-60

Spatio-temporal assessment of drought in the semi-arid region of Algerian steppe through index and remote sensing

The scarcity of annual rainfall, which sometimes spreads over successive years, causes persistent droughts. In order to study the drought severity on the Algerian steppe, we analysed precipitation data (1985–2015) from the weather stations of Ain Sefra, El Bayadh, Tiaret and Djelfa, using drought meteorological indices: the mean deviation, the standardised precipitation index, the rainfall index and the frequency analysis of the rainfall series. Thus, we adopted the diachronic study by satellite remote sensing for the years 2002 (the driest year) and 2009 (the wettest year), which allowed us to better understand the evolution of the steppe rangelands surface and to better interpret their spatial-temporal changes. Drought, as determined by the mean deviation index, occurred during two periods (in sequence and corresponds to 55% the sequences of deficit years), one over 12 years (from 1994/1993 to 2006/2005) and the other over 5 years (1985–1990) and with isolated years. The results of the diachronic study of the vegetation change demonstrate the obvious divergence of the vegetation cover between 2002 and 2009. Drought has impacts on vegetation composition, growth, productivity, structure and functioning of ecosystems, which limits regeneration of vegetation cover.

The shell measurements that best describe sexual dimorphism in the spur-thighed tortoise <em>Testudo graeca</em> from Algeria

Due to phenotypic plasticity and sex-biased selective pressures, intraspecific variation in tortoise morphology is usually assessed by studying sexual dimorphism. However, inferences may differ based on the choice of shell size measurements for analyses. In this work, we identified linear measurements that best describe sexual dimorphism for the spur-thighed tortoise Testudo graeca whitei. We assessed 34 carapace and plastron measurements in 67 individuals (24 males, 43 females) in a population at the natural Mergueb site located on the central limit of the Algerian steppe. Twenty-two out of 34 measurements significantly showed sexual size dimorphism in ANOVA tests. When analyzing sexual shape dimorphism with ANCOVAs, nine measurements showed no shared allometry with the measurements used as covariates to correct by size. Meanwhile, 17 out of the remaining 23 measurements showed significant differences in shape. PCA analyses similarly described T. graeca’s sexual dimorphism. In general, females tend to be bigger than males, especially in central scutes what is probably linked with clutch sizes commitments. On the other hand, males are larger-sized in anterior and posterior scutes, probably as a result of courtship, male fighting and copulation. Some of the analyzed measurements are revealed as being especially adequate for further studying the geographical variation of sexual dimorphism in Testudo graeca

Climatic sensitivity in the Algerian steppes: Drought indices and remote sensing

These last years, the Algerian steppe has known a strong degradation caused in particular by the scarcity of the annual rainfall. It spreads in certain cases to successive years generated by a persistent drought. A series of indices were applied to rainfall records recorded for 30 years (1985-2015) in the treated stations to identify the severity of the drought in the steppe regions. The present work proposes to study and compare the performance of some drought indices to identify a permanent monitoring system in the steppe. The indices studied are Pluviometric Deficit Index (PDI), StandaPDIzed Precipitation Index (SPI), and the Ratio compared to the Normal (RN). We can deduce Climate variability is manifested by regressive spatio-temporal dynamics, thus, drought is recurrent phenomenon in the Algerian steppe

Phytochemical investigation of Ajuga iva, Matricaria chamomilla and Ruta chalepensis from Algerian steppe (Djelfa district)

In the present study, three medicinal plants in Djelfa district (Algerian steppe), such as Ruta chalepensis, Ajuga iva and Matricaria chamomilla, were investigated for the presence of phytochemicals (secondary metabolites) i.e. alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, coumarins, carbohydrates, terpenoids, anthraquinones, etc. The phytochemical screening was studied by extracting the aerial parts of the plants with different solvents like methanol, acetone, petroleum ether, chloroform and distilled water. The results show the presence of most of the phytochemical components in methanolic extract due to high solubility of active compounds when compared to other solvents. Based on these results, these plants have a great importance as an efficient source of therapeutic agents.

Sustainability’s Indicators of sheep farming systems in the eastern steppe ecosystem of Algeria

Sheep farming systems in the steppe of M'sila eastern Algeria play a key role in the red meat production chain. The aim of this contribution is to assess the sustainability of sheep farms in relation to the current functioning of the breeding and to describe the strong and weak points limiting improvement of productivity in a perspective of sustainability. The method of indicators of sustainability of farms (IDEA) was used to evaluate sustainability. The typological results allowed us to distinguish two main types of livestock farming, namely agro pastoral and pastoral, which have different sustainability profiles. The agro pastoral type is characterized by sustainability scores of 69.4/100, 43.6/100 and 36.4/100 respectively for agro ecological, socio-territorial and economic sustainability. The pastoral type shows the same trend with superiority in the economic scale. The comparison of the sustainability scales in relation to the type of livestock showed that the two livestock systems are significantly different for agro-ecological and socio-territorial scale (P<0.05) in contrast to the economic scale. Consequently, each type requires particular improvements, according to its functioning and the threshold of the scores realized at the level of the global sustainability in order to guarantee a profitability of the breeding at the level of the Algerian steppe region.

Current Social and Rangeland Access Trends among Pastoralists in the Western Algerian Steppe

In the western Algerian steppe, the public authorities have carried out actions aimed at rural development (agricultural development programs) and combating desertification (grazing reserves) to counter the significant and rapid loss of vegetation cover of pastures by overgrazing, and the consequent impacts on local livelihoods. In the Rogassa area, these actions have impacted land tenure and the ancestral and collective way of land use and access. These changes have caused transformations in lifestyle and pasture management. This research aims to characterize how such changes are affecting local pastoralists and what their perceptions are about them. A selective sampling of 150 agropastoral households was carried out by interviewing their heads, analyzing socioeconomic, land tenure and government perception variables. Most agropastoralists access land under tribal tenure, conditioned by local social structures. Pastures are prevailingly perceived by pastoralists as insufficient, and the perception of grazing reserves is largely negative. Pastoralists are worried about land degradation and declining grazing lands, and are looking for solutions and alternatives. However, state interventions have been uncoordinated and have not considered their customary land rights. The generalized awareness of environmental deterioration points to the need for better communication and intervention strategies to be developed by authorities in the future that involve the inhabitants of these lands.