Floristic Diversity Of Temporary Ponds In The Setif Region (Northeastern Algeria)

Abstract

The Setif region, known as the High Setifian Plains, is located in the Tell Atlas in northern Algeria. The climate is characterized by cold and temperate winters and hot dry summers; the north is wetter than the south. Administratively, the Setif region consists of 20 districts (daïras) and 60 municipalities. It is distinguished by its richness and diversity of wetlands, among which are ponds.

Following surveys conducted among local populations regarding the presence or absence of ponds, 14 municipalities located in the north were visited between 2017 and 2019. We recorded 102 ponds that were subject to a floristic inventory over two hydrological cycles (spring and summer). The flora consists of 139 species and 87 genera belonging to 35 botanical families, with a dominance of the Poaceae family (19 species). These species are either submerged in wetlands or associated with terrestrial environments. The overall biological spectrum composition shows a dominance of hemicryptophytes, with 70 species (50%). The majority of the recorded species belong to the northern phytochorion group (37%). Ten species are endemic.

The majority of the surveyed ponds are privately owned, and despite their richness, these ponds are subjected to increasing anthropogenic pressures, leading to their transformation or complete disappearance. They are often drained due to drainage or grazing, filled with debris, cultivated, or urbanized. As a result, they are threatened by climate change, particularly drought. In Algeria, as in the rest of the Maghreb, no temporary pond is currently protected. The preservation of this significant and threatened biodiversity requires the urgent implementation of protection measures and the creation of legislative texts to safeguard these habitats.