Ecological Assesment Of Flora And Fauna Following Dune Stabilization In The El Mesrane Region (Djelfa, Algeria)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22399/ijcesen.4335Keywords:
Dune fixation, Ecological restoration, Biodiversity, Vegetation cover, Saharo-steppeAbstract
Dune stabilization is wildly applied in arid and semi-arid regions of Algeria, representing one of the most effective ecological restoration strategies against desertification, yet its ecological outcomes remain scarce. This study evaluate the influence of dune fixation on soil properties, vegetation structure and faunal assemblages in The El Mesrane dune system (Djelfa, Algeria).Six stations, including three stabilized dunes and three adjacent mobile dunes were surveyed through soil analyses, floristic survey, and standardized sampling of invertebrates, reptiles, birds and small mammals. Stabilized sites showed improved edaphic conditions, along with higher species richness and diversity for all biological groups. Diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson and evenness) confirmed a more structured and balanced community in fixed dunes. Statistical analyses indicated significant differences between dunes types for both soil parameters and biodiversity metrics. These findings highlight the positive efficiency of dune fixation on habitat structure and biological diversity in arid steppe ecosystems of central Algeria.
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