Bellis prostrata Pomel (Asteraceae), a new species for Morocco

Investigations conducted in temporary wetlands of the coastal Meseta of W Morocco (Benslimane region) lead to the discovery of Bellis prostrata in a small endoreic temporary pool (ca. 1 ha) of the quartzitic-limestone plateau of Benslimane

Using remote sensing and geographic information systems to assess landscape dynamics - Application to a wooded area in the benslimane province (Western Morocco)

The Benslimane province lies between the two urban areas of Morocco (Rabat and Casablanca) and accommodates a wooded landscape in its middle that has considerable ecological and socio-economic value. Using a vegetation cover map from 1955 and two multispectral Landsat images from 1987 and 2001, combined with field observations, we were able to assess the spatial and temporal dynamic of this landscape over 47 years through a combination of remote sensing and geographic information systems. The results highlight a change in the environment that has evolved from a single-species Cork Oak forest landscape to a multi-species forest landscape with the advent of Pine and Eucalyptus afforestation, vine-growing areas, mining areas (quarries) and urban development. Evaluation of the changes that have occurred in the forest landscape is discussed with a view to providing relevant material for sustainably managing and preserving it.Entre les deux métropoles du Maroc (Rabat et Casablanca), se situe la province de Benslimane au coeur de laquelle se localise un paysage boisé. Cette zone présente un intérêt écologique et socio-économique important. L’utilisation d’une carte de végétation de 1955 et de deux images multispectrales Landsat de 1987 et 2001, combinée aux observations de terrain, ont permis d’évaluer la dynamique spatio-temporelle de ce paysage en 47 ans grâce à l’utilisation conjointe d’outils de télédétection et de systèmes d’information géographique (SIG). Les résultats ont mis en évidence une mutation du milieu qui est passé d’un paysage forestier monospécifique constitué de Chêne-liège à un paysage forestier multispécifique, avec apparition de reboisements de Pin et d’Eucalyptus, de périmètres de culture de la vigne, de zones industrielles extractives (carrières) et de zones urbaines. L’évaluation des changements survenus dans le paysage forestier a été discutée dans l’optique d’apporter des éléments pertinents pour sa gestion et sa conservation durables

Utilisation de la télédétection et des systèmes d'information géographique pour l'évaluation de la dynamique du paysage : cas d'une zone boisée de la province de Benslimane (Maroc occidental)

International audienceThe Benslimane province lies between the two urban areas of Morocco (Rabat and Casablanca) and accommodates a wooded lanscape in its middle that has a considerable ecological and socio-économic value. Using a vegetation cover map from 1955 and two multispectral Landsat images from 1987 and 2001, combined with field observations, we were able to assess the spatial and temporal dynamic of this landscape over 47 years through a combination of remote sensing and geographic information systems. The results highlighit a change in the environment that as evolved from a single-species Cork oak forest landscape to a multi-species forest landscape with the advent of Pine and Eucalyptus afforestation, wine-growing areas, mining areras (quarries) and urban development. Evaluation of the changes that have occured in the forest landscape is discussed with a view to providing relevant material for sustainably managing and preserving it..Entre les deux métropoles du Maroc (Rabat et Casablanca), se situe la province de Benslimane au cœur de laquelle se localise un paysage boisé. Cette zone présente un intérêt écologique et socio-économique important. L'utilisation d'une carte de végétation de 1955 et de deux images multispectrales Landsat de 1987 et 2001, combinée aux observations de terrain, ont permis d'évaluer la dynamique spatio-temporelle de ce paysage en 47 ans grâce à l'utilisation conjointe d'outils de télédétection et de systèmes d'information géographique (SIG). Les résultats ont mis en évidence une mutation du milieu qui est passé d'un paysage forestier monospécifique constitué de Chêne-liège à un paysage forestier multispécifique, avec apparition de reboisements de Pins et d'Eucalyptus, de périmètres de culture de la vigne, de zones industrielles extractives (carrières) et de zones urbaines. L'évaluation des changements survenus dans le paysage forestier a été discutée dans l'optique d'apporter des éléments pertinents pour sa gestion et sa conservation durables

The genus Callitriche (Plantaginaceae, Callitricheae) in Morocco.

This article presents information on the distribution and ecology of Callitriche species in Morocco, based on field survey, literature review, and examination of herbarium specimens. Taxa reported erroneously from the country are discussed and new information is presented on the morphology of C. mathezii and C. truncata subsp. truncata

Vegetation history of the western Rif mountains (NW Morocco): origin, late-Holocene dynamics and human impact

International audienc

Holocene history of peatland communities of central Rif (Northern Morocco)

International audienceThe Maghreb's Mediterranean coastal edge is home to many peatlands with boreal floristic affinities and high conservation value. The work aims at investigating the Holocene developmental history of these wetlands in Northern Morocco, based on pollen record, losson-ignition and radiocarbon dating. First, the comparison between modern pollen spectra and present-day hydrophytic vegetation makes it possible to identify the local pollen signal. Second, while peatlands have existed in the Rif for at least 13,000 years, their initiation mostly by paludification extends throughout the Holocene. Their plant composition remains relatively unchanged for millennia, but swamp undergrowth could locally experience changes in taxa dominance. Mid-to late-Holocene sedimentation changes appear to result from the human-induced regional decline of cedar. The major changes experienced by wetlands occurred recently, due to clearing, burning and overgrazing. Effective conservation policies should be urgently implemented in order to save the last relict peatlands of Northern Morocco

Unravelling the impact of anthropogenic pressure on plant communities in Mediterranean temporary ponds

International audienceIdentifying the respective role of environmental, landscape and management factors in explaining the patternsin community composition is an important goal in ecology. Using a set of 32 temporary ponds in northern Morocco westudied the respective importance of local (within the pond) and regional (density of ponds in landscape) factors and theimpacts of different land uses on the plant species assemblages, separating pond and terrestrial species. The mainhypotheses tested were that (1) species assemblages respond to both local and regional environmental factors, (2)anthropogenic pressure has a negative influence on the number of pond species, and that (3) human activities differ in theirimpact on pond biodiversity. The results showed that (1) local factors explain most of the variation in plant communitycomposition, and (2) land use impacts the communities through changing local environmental conditions, leading to a lossof typical pond species. Aside from recreation, all other activities (grazing, drainage, agriculture and partial urbanisation)significantly reduced the number of pond species. The conservation strategy for rare pond species should focus onmaintaining networks of oligotrophic ponds, while allowing only low-impact activities

Plant community patterns in Moroccan temporary ponds along latitudinal and anthropogenic disturbance gradients

International audienceBackground: Temporary ponds, an abundant habitat in the Maghreb region and notably in Morocco, have a high conservation value. However, they are mainly known from the north of the country.Aims: The aim of this work was to characterise the vegetation of Moroccan temporary ponds along a combined gradient of latitude and anthropogenic pressure.Methods: Eighty-five ponds distributed along a north–south gradient of 750 km were sampled. For each pond, all vegetation was surveyed (flooded and dry parts) and the local abiotic characteristics were measured during two successive hydrological cycles. The prevailing anthropogenic pressures were also identified and were attributed an impact score.Results: Eighty-one characteristic pond species (including 17 rare species) were recorded, with several new distribution data in the southern part of the latitudinal gradient. Plant communities were related to climatic and anthropogenic factors, but mostly to local factors, such as maximum water depth and soil pH. The northern ponds (wettest macroclimate) were rich in characteristic species and rare species, while the southern (driest macroclimate) ponds were more species poor.Conclusions: In addition to the direct impact of increasing human activity, a further reduction of the floristic richness of temporary ponds is expected due to climatic changes. This is particularly the case for characteristic species which have a high conservation value

Bellis prostrata Pomel (Asteraceae), a new species for Morocco. Contribuciones a la flora vascular de Marruecos: Bellis prostrata Pomel (Asteraceae), una nueva especie para Marruecos

Bellis prostrata Pomel (Asteraceae), una nueva especie para Marruecos Key words.North Africa, endemic species, conservation, temporary wetland. Palabras clave. Norte de África, especie endémica, conservación, humedales temporales