Environ Exp Biol (2020) 18: 193–205

Bioclimate and diversity of Tamaricaceae in Oranie, West Algeria

Abstract

Vegetation is a good indicator of the status of ecosystems that adapt to environmental changes. In this study, the diversity, floristic composition of Tamaricaceae and distribution of plant species under climate change were determined in West Algeria. Four sites were selected for performing phytoecological surveys using the sigmatist method along a north-south ecological gradient. In total, 195 plant species belonging to 41 families were identified, dominated by Asteraceae (15.90%) and Poaceae (15.38%). Analysis of biological types showed dominance of therophytes (49.74%) in this flora, which indicates the presence of therophytization in this region. Analysis of chorological types identified the dominance of the Mediterranean element (46.67%). The disturbance index was relatively high (75.54%) reflecting significant importance of disturbance in the formation of the characteristic vegetation of the region. The study concluded that the flora of Tamaricaceae is under the threat of climate change and anthropogenic pressure. These results underline the need for strict policies to maintain and conserve the ecosystems that are vulnerable.