CHAPTER IV
Results & Discussion
77
Importance of the site:
The Guerbes plain encompasses internationally significant "sites" that offer distinctive and
exceptional examples of natural wetland ecosystems. These sites are not only noteworthy within
the Maghreb, North Africa, and the North Africa-Central Africa sub-region, but they also hold
importance for the broader Mediterranean region. The Guerbes plain, with its bioclimatic
diversity, features a continental dune massif that creates a unique environment. The undulating
morphology, oriented NW-SE, along with the formation of depressions and dune valleys,
contributes to a refreshing atmosphere during winter, thanks to prevailing winds, and a humid
heat during the summer. Moreover, the reduction of vegetation in the dune areas results in rapid
temperature drops in specific wetland and aquatic habitats during winter. As a result, these sites
exhibit a simultaneous presence of plant species (and consequently animal species) from both
tropical (5% of the 234 flora species associated directly with wetlands) and northern (28%)
biogeographic origins. This region showcases a significant representation of species from SubSaharan Africa and Europe, alongside the Mediterranean region, accounting for 34% of the
overall biodiversity. (Samraoui & de Belair, 1997).
Criteria :
- Biodiversity: The Guerbes-Sanhadja plain possesses significant importance in
maintaining biological diversity, thanks to its abundant and diverse fauna and flora.
Spanning over 28,000 hectares, it hosts approximately 234 plant species, originating
from various biogeographic regions, including 145 taxa specifically adapted to
aquatic habitats. Additionally, the plain supports 50 bird species and 27 Odonate
species. Among the documented plant species, 19 are classified as rare, while 23 are
exceptionally rare, further emphasizing the region's biodiversity value;
- The Guerbes-Sanhadja plain wetland complex serves as both a migratory destination
and a food source for eels and other marine species that have not yet been identified
(mullets, barbels, etc.).
- Rare species and threatened ecological communities.
- >1% of the waterbird population.
Ecological characteristics
Few habitats represented by examples of plant communities with rare species:
Results & Discussion
77
Importance of the site:
The Guerbes plain encompasses internationally significant "sites" that offer distinctive and
exceptional examples of natural wetland ecosystems. These sites are not only noteworthy within
the Maghreb, North Africa, and the North Africa-Central Africa sub-region, but they also hold
importance for the broader Mediterranean region. The Guerbes plain, with its bioclimatic
diversity, features a continental dune massif that creates a unique environment. The undulating
morphology, oriented NW-SE, along with the formation of depressions and dune valleys,
contributes to a refreshing atmosphere during winter, thanks to prevailing winds, and a humid
heat during the summer. Moreover, the reduction of vegetation in the dune areas results in rapid
temperature drops in specific wetland and aquatic habitats during winter. As a result, these sites
exhibit a simultaneous presence of plant species (and consequently animal species) from both
tropical (5% of the 234 flora species associated directly with wetlands) and northern (28%)
biogeographic origins. This region showcases a significant representation of species from SubSaharan Africa and Europe, alongside the Mediterranean region, accounting for 34% of the
overall biodiversity. (Samraoui & de Belair, 1997).
Criteria :
- Biodiversity: The Guerbes-Sanhadja plain possesses significant importance in
maintaining biological diversity, thanks to its abundant and diverse fauna and flora.
Spanning over 28,000 hectares, it hosts approximately 234 plant species, originating
from various biogeographic regions, including 145 taxa specifically adapted to
aquatic habitats. Additionally, the plain supports 50 bird species and 27 Odonate
species. Among the documented plant species, 19 are classified as rare, while 23 are
exceptionally rare, further emphasizing the region's biodiversity value;
- The Guerbes-Sanhadja plain wetland complex serves as both a migratory destination
and a food source for eels and other marine species that have not yet been identified
(mullets, barbels, etc.).
- Rare species and threatened ecological communities.
- >1% of the waterbird population.
Ecological characteristics
Few habitats represented by examples of plant communities with rare species: