Work

Ecological Assessment of Steppe Rangelands in the Ain Sefra Region (southwestern Algeria)

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: This research was carried out in the Ain Sefra region of Algeria’s southwest. Satellite data monitored steppe rangelands’ spatiotemporal evolution and land cover dynamics. A diachronic analysis based on supervised classification using the modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI2) was applied. Two Landsat satellite images (ETM+ 2000 and OLI 2022) taken at 22-year intervals were used to map and assess changes in vegetation cover. The findings point to a regressive evolution of vegetation cover. The main causes of severe rangeland degradation are overgrazing, prolonged drought, and wind erosion. However, implementing a strategy to rehabilitate and conserve pastoral resources has positively impacted species’ biological recovery and flora richness. Geomatics has significantly contributed to this study as a tool for assessing and monitoring natural resources. MSAVI2 is a dependable and effective index for assessing the state of vegetation in arid to semi-arid regions.

Source: Natural Resources and Sustainable Development

DOI: 10.31924/nrsd.v13i2.133

Authors: Benamara Naziha, Abdelkrim Benaradj, Said Bouarfa

Language: English

Topic: Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Climate action

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4391383604

FWCI: 1.244

Cites:

Cited by: 7

Related to: 10