Article
Ecology and conservation status of Algerian fir (Abies numidica) in Babor-Tababort National Park (Northeast Algeria)
Ecology and conservation status of Algerian fir (Abies numidica) in Babor-Tababort National Park (Northeast Algeria)
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The Algerian fir (Abies numidica), a species strictly endemic to Algeria and protected under national legislation, has a highly localized distribution area, confined to the Babor-Tababort National Park in the northeast of the country. Our study allowed us to map the species’ distribution range, estimate the mature trees of its populations, their altitudinal distribution, and reassess its conservation status according to IUCN criteria. The study was conducted between June 2020, and April 2025. For the counting of mature trees, a systematic sampling was carried out in the Babor forest, while a direct count was conducted in the Tababort forest. The Babor location has a relatively homogeneous and continuous distribution. The Tababort location, characterized by a fragmented distribution. The total population size is estimated to be around 8,561 mature trees, distributed across an area of occupancy of 40 km². The species preferentially occupies the north and northeast slopes, which are cooler and more humid, located between 1500 and 2000 meters in altitude, with a high abundance between 1717 and 1788 meters. It coexists with several forest tree species, including Cedrus atlantica, Quercus canariensis, Populus tremula, and Acer obtusatum. A reassessment based on IUCN criteria suggests that the species has to be classified as Vulnerable (VU). Its conservation status is justified by its very restricted distribution and small population size. These results confirm the urgent need to implement targeted conservation strategies based on updated data, in order to ensure the perennity of this relict species, which is particularly vulnerable to both historical and current human pressures, as well as the effects of climate change.
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