JSBB: Volume 3, Issue 2, July 2024
Communication abstract – Online SEMINAR, 24 June 2024, University of Relizane, Algeria
Impact and influence of fires on plant formations: the case of the Relizane region (North-Western of Algeria)
Aroudj Mustapha1,📧,
Boulenouar Yassine2,
Ouarab Samia3,
Allal Benfekih Leila1
1Laboratory of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Agro-Ecology, University of Blida 1, Algeria
2Forest Conservation of Relizane. Directorate of Forest, Algeria
3Animal Eco-Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Agro-Ecology, University of Blida 1., Algeria
2Forest Conservation of Relizane. Directorate of Forest, Algeria
3Animal Eco-Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Agro-Ecology, University of Blida 1., Algeria
📧 Aroudj Mustapha - E. mail: mustaphaaroudj@gmail.com
Published: 15 July 2024
Abstract
This study presents the impact of fires on various plant formations in the Relizane region from 2005 to 2021. Out of a total area of 60,289 hectares, 4,217.7 hectares were burned in the Relizane Province. Forests were the most affected, accounting for 65.6% of the burned area, followed by other formations (15.8%), maquis (14.9%), and scrub (3.8%). A total of 244 fire outbreaks were reported during the study period, with 2005 being the most affected year (35 outbreaks), followed by 2020 (27 outbreaks). The annual trends indicate significant differences in burned areas across different vegetation formations, with forests and maquis showing the largest burned areas in 2005. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed highly significant differences (P-value = 1.4E-5), and hierarchical classification identified three distinct groups based on the burned areas. The study underscores the need for improved collaboration between institutions such as the DGF, INRF, Civil Protection, and Agricultural Directorate to effectively combat fires and ensure healthy forest ecosystems for future generations.
Keywords
Plant formation, Hearths, Fires, Statistical analysis