Impacts of anthropogenic pressure on the degradation of the forest of Doui Thabet (Saida, Western Algeria) in the context of the restoration

Abstract

Abstract The forest of Doui Thabet is one of the forests of the Mounts of Saida (Western Algeria) which is experiencing a dynamic regressive. Located in the semi-arid bioclimatic stage, it is located at the edge of two phytogeographic sub-sectors: atlas Tellien Oranais (O3) and high plateau subsector (H1). Among the factors that threaten to curb this fragile and weakened ecosystem, in addition to drought and climate aridity and which has become a structural ecological phenomenon; the overgrazing is also a major limiting factor. This current study provides a qualitative and quantitative assessment of anthropogenic pressure exerted in this area zone. The methodology adopted in this study is that of Le Houerou (1969) and Montoya (1983), which it is based on the calculation of the annual needs of the herd in forage units, the estimate of the feed potential of production, the coefficient of overgrazing and in addition to the anthropogenic pressure index. The result of the forage balance in the forest rangelands of the studied area has a forage deficit (overload) of (96.64%) (a sylvopastoral imbalance), in addition to that, the coefficient of overgrazing is (92.3%) and the anthropogenic pressure index is very high (28). The conservation and the restoration of this area is a major concern in the face of global changes, taking into account their mode of reproduction and their dynamics, for the development of restoration strategies and more effective ways of protection.