Breaking new ground: floristic diversity and conservation implications in Bordj Bou Arreridj Forests, Algeria

S. Belloula*, N. Khababa, R. Tiet and R. Amara Korba

Mohamed El Bachir El Ibrahimi University, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences and of Earth and Universe Sciences, Department of Ecology and Environment, DZ34000 Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria
*Correspondence: salima.beloula@univ-bba.dz

Abstract:

This study assessed the floristic diversity and conservation status of two ecologically significant forests in Bordj Ghedir region, southeastern Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria: Ouled Hanneche (10,221.69 ha) and Ouled Khelouf (8,580.47 ha), covering a combined area of 18,802.16 hectares. Field inventories conducted in March 2023 across 13 stations, with 13 plots collected using random sampling methods. Weidentified 71 plant species from 32 families and 64 genera. The Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families were dominant. Hemicryptophytes and Therophytes were the most abundant life forms, and chorological analysis indicated a predominance of Mediterranean elements. Ecological indices (Shannon H’ up to 3.602; Simpson 1-D up to 0.97) confirmed high species richness and diversity, particularly in the Ouled Hanneche forest. Despite this richness, the ecosystems face threats from overgrazing, wildfires, and insect pests. The findings provide a critical baseline for conservation and underscore the need for sustainable management strategies, including protected area enforcement and community engagement, to preserve this unique Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot.

Key words:

Biodiversity of phytoplankton (non-diatoms) as bio- indicators in assessing the water quality and trophic status of the Euphrates river between Al- Baghdadi and Al-Ramadi Cities, Western Iraq

Abdul-Nasir A.M. Al-Tamimi¹* and Nawras A.S. Al- Obeidi²

¹Biology Department, Education College for Woman, University of Anbar, Ramady, Anbar Governorate, Iraq
²Center of Desert Studies, University of Anbar, Ramady, Anbar Governorate, Iraq
*Correspondence: edw.nasir63abdulla@uoanbar.edu.iq

Abstract:

Given the global climate changes, especially the drought conditions that Iraq’s climate has been suffering from in recent years, along with the stifling water scarcity, the current study aimed to focus on developing quantitative and qualitative tools and strategies for phytoplankton (non-diatoms) as vital indicators in order to protect ecosystems, enhance their resilience, and promote sustainability. Four sites were chosen for the most prominent cities. The main site within the river basin for the period from July 2022 to April 2023 to collect water samples and phytoplankton cells (non-diatoms). The current study showed that the water of the Euphrates River at the current study sites is warm, pH neutral, with high basicity and medium hardness, with EC, TDS and turbidity, and the BOD is high, exceeding permissible limits, with good ventilation. Cl and Na salts, nutrients as NO_3, were available in normal proportions, with PO₄ concentrations exceeding the permissible limits due to the river water’s impact on agricultural lands around the river basin. During the study, 137 species belonging to five main classes were identified. Chlorophyceae were dominant at a rate of 55%, followed by Cyanophyceae at a rate of 34%, then Euglenophyceae at a rate of 4%, then Pyrrophyceae at a rate of 4%, and Chrysophyceae at a rate of 1%, where the highest density was recorded. For phytoplankton cells (non-diatoms) in site 1 (Al-Baghdadi) 2,438.8 cells L^-1, while the lowest density was recorded in site 4 (Al-Ramadi Dam) 1,761.2 cells L^-1. The results of biodiversity indices showed that the waters of the Euphrates River have low to moderate biological diversity, little to moderate pollution, and moderate species richness, with high homogeneity in their distribution between sites. The predominant groups of species during the study period were Oscillatoria formosa, Pediastrum simplex, p. duplex, Scenedesmus alternate, S. dimorphus, S. quadricauda, S. artcuatus var. platydiscus, microporium crassior, Pediastrium boryanum, Coeloastrum microporium, Chrococcus limeticus, C. minor.

Key words:

biodiversity indices, biological indicators, phytoplankton (non-diatoms), upper euphrates river