Saïda region plants diversity (West of Algeria): First typological study of its forest and pre-steppe habitats

Abstract

In the present work we assessed the different facets of biodiversity in 10 habitats using the phytosociological method. The aim of this study was to characterize the most suitable habitats for biodiversity in Saida Mountains. The Matorral with Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. and Phil- lyrea sp, the Matorral with Tetraclinis articulata, Rosemarinus sp, and Quercus coccifera L. scrub plant community appeared to be the most diversified in terms of biodiversity and Pre-steppe formation is poor (in terms of plant diversity). However, and generally speaking, biodiversity is maximal for the more or less open tree matorrals; which decreases in the case of degradation and ecosystem fragmentation. It should be stressed that all habitats present a particular flora that is very important for the conservation of the Saida Mountains.