TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF HOLM OAK STANDS IN CHETTABA FOREST (ALGERIA)

The forest of Chettaba is for ecotourism. Managed by the Forest Conservation of Constantine, this site is formed of several forestry species (hardwood and softwood) spread over an area of 3010 ha. The objective of this study is to estimate the viability of this site through the permanent monitoring of the current state of the forest including biodiversity and pressures. The collection of data related to it had recourse to a forest inventory and an inventory of pressures. The condition was assessed by analyzing these components. The various analyses conducted during this study revealed that the forest is subject to biotic and abiotic pressures and average viability. This is induced by a fairly good stand quality (PHF= 333), medium stability (S= 44.45), low mortality (MR = 4.16%) and good future potential (high regeneration rate (RR =231.25%). Grazing, fire and illegal logging are the most important pressures. Despite these pressures, the forest is classified as a viable ecosystem. However, these potentials are insufficient: it is necessary to reduce the pressures and reforest the degraded plots for better conservation of the ecosystem. To this end, the present study suggests management primarily through silvicultural interventions that promote the regeneration of the various species and to include a permanent ecological monitoring system.