Identifying Important Plants Areas (Key Biodiversity Areas for Plants) in northern Algeria

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N. Yahi
E. Vela
S. Benhouhou
G. De Belair
R. Gharzouli

Abstract

A study was undertaken in 2010 to identify Important Plant Areas (Key Biodiversity Areas for Plants) in the south and east Mediterranean region, in order to prioritise the best sites for plant conservation action. It follows a first work of identification of Important Plant Areas (IPAs) initiated for Algeria and relates exclusively to the flora of northern Algeria. These IPAs were delineated in northern Algeria for those sites harbouring a number of “IPA selection species†(threatened species and locally endemic or restricted range). Recent taxonomic revisions estimate the number of national endemics for the north of Algeria (excluding the Sahara) to be over 300 taxa. In the present study, data were extracted from the global list of 22 IPAs identified for the north of Algeria. The species considered are i) threatened species as defined by the 1997 IUCN global red list of plants, ii) locally endemic species, iii) nationally threatened species. Trigger species, identified by combining the criteria of endemism and rarity, are mainly Algerian national endemics but also include some Algerian-Moroccan and Algerian-Tunisian endemics. One hundred and fifty two (152) trigger species were identified and these species, which have high ecological value, can be used to characterize the particular floristic interest of a site and can therefore be a useful tool for conservation purposes. Important gaps in knowledge have been highlighted, in particular those relating to taxonomy and the lack of up-to-date field data. It is therefore essential to undertake in situ research in order to better understand the distribution and status of these species. A flexible approach to identifying and recognising priority sites for plants using surrogate criteria, supplemented by expert opinion, alongside existing globally standardised criteria, is therefore essential if the most important sites for plant diversity are to receive the conservation attention they deserve.

Article Details

Section
Communications
Author Biographies

N. Yahi

Nassima Yahi Lecturer at the University of Sciences and Technology “Houari Boumedieneâ€, Algiers, Algeria. Main courses phytoecology, sampling strategies in plant ecology. Research interest phytodynamic, phytoecology, phytosociology of forest ecosystems in the Mediterranean area.

E. Vela

Errol Vela Lecturer at the University of Montpellier-2, France. Main courses on environmental expertise, impact assessment, field botany. Research interest in phytoecology, systematics, taxonomy and biogeography in the Mediterranean area.

S. Benhouhou

Salima Benhouhou Senior lecturer in the botany department at the higher national school of agriculture in Algiers, Algeria. Main courses plant ecology and botany. Research interest plant systematic, phytosociology, phytoecology, Mediterranean and Saharan flora.

G. De Belair

Gerard De Belair Senior lecturer currently retired from University “Badji Mokhtar â€, Annaba, Algeria. Main courses plant ecology and botany. Research interest plant systematic, phytoecology and Mediterranean flora.

R. Gharzouli

Rachid Gharzouli Lecturer at the University “Ferhat Abbasâ€, Setif, Algeria. Main courses: sampling strategies in plant ecology, urban forestry, bioclimatology. Research interest phytosociology, biogeography, urban ecology.