Case studies in the conservation of biodiversity: degradation and threats

Land degradation and vegetation distribution in Chott El Beida wetland, Algeria

“…The development of any wetland conservation strategy in Algeria is also hindered by the lack of coordination between the ministries of environment and agriculture, as is common in many Mediterranean countries (Solh et al, 2003;Vogiatzakis et al, 2006). Furthermore, engaging local stakeholders in the development of conservation strategies often occur in the absence of any consideration of biodiversity issues (Ayyad, 2003). In Algeria for instance, there is no restriction on farmers to grow crops next to the chott, neither is there a limit to livestock numbers.…”

“…Overgrazing, reed-cutting and farming around wetlands related to the increase of rural population have practically eliminated emergent vegetation from the margins of most wetlands (Green et al, 2002). Forest clearance and drainage have resulted in the loss of wetland habitats and biodiversity (Ayyad, 2003). These impacts are aggravated by constant increase in population and livestock, as in most of North Africa, which have Table 1 RAMSAR wetlands of Algeria (Anonymous, 2004 resulted in severe erosion and poor regeneration (Mé dail and Qué zel, 1999).…”

Camel grazing affects species diversity and community structure in the deserts of the UAE

“…Consequently, continuous grazing has ultimately led to loss of vegetation, erosion, desertification, wildlife extinction and a drop in the water table of these lands (Kassas, 1995). In addition, heavy grazing by livestock can change plant community composition, especially in arid regions, where plant communities generally evolved in the absence of a heavy grazing by wild herbivores (Landsberg et al, 1999;Ayyad, 2003). Several studies have shown that heavy grazing results in a more specific compositional shift in plant communities (Ayyad and Elkadi, 1982;Noymeir et al, 1989;Olsvig-Whittaker et al, 1993).…”

Environmental gradients and community attributes underlying biodiversity patterns of semi-arid Mediterranean grasslands

“…Protection from grazing and/or establishment of forest plantation have been suggested as a management tool to stop the deterioration as well as to help in ecological restoration of degraded semi-arid grassland areas (Shaltout et al 1996;Ayyad 2003). The abundance of livestock grazing and the introduction of forest trees into grassland has resulted in the emergence of new habitat types and different patterns of species diversity, i.e., different species composition .…”