Article

Benthic macrophyte diversity and physicochemical drivers in the Guerbes-Senhadja wetland complex (Northeastern Algeria): Taxonomic richness, conservation status and bioindicator value

Authors:
Zediri H.
,
Belabed A.I.
,
Hamel T.
Publication: Flora Mediterranea
Pages: 191-213
Keywords:

Floristics, plant communities, North Africa.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7320/FlMedit36.191
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Article history:

  1. Received

  2. (last) revision received

  3. Accepted

  4. Published online

Abstract

The Guerbes-Senhadja wetland complex (wilaya of Skikda, north-eastern Algeria) is one of the most floristically significant wetland systems of Numidia, yet the ecology of its benthic macrophyte communities has remained largely undocumented. This study presents the first systematic inventory of aquatic macrophytes across nine representative waterbodies of the complex, conducted during the spring of 2025, alongside an analysis of the physicochemical parameters structuring their distribution. A total of 31 benthic macrophyte taxa belonging to 12 families and 16 genera were recorded. Floristic richness varied markedly with habitat type: saline semi-temporary marshes harboured four to seven taxa, temporary ponds supported up to 13 species, while peaty lakes and alder carrs yielded 11 to 18 taxa with greater abundance. The broadly distributed chorological element dominated (38.71%), followed by the northern (29.03%) and Mediterranean (25.80%) elements. Seventeen taxa were identified as holding patrimonial value, including 14 rare or very rare species, 7 protected under Algerian law, and 9 listed on the IUCN Red List. Six new floristic records for western Numidia are reported. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of 18 environmental and physico-chemical variables distinguished three ecological site typologies along gradients of anthropogenic disturbance, topography and hydrological regime. A co-inertia analysis (RV = 0.63, p < 0.05) confirmed a significant co-structure between the macrophyte assemblages and the environmental descriptors, with axis 1 reflecting a freshwater-to-brackish salinity gradient and axis 2 opposing degraded lacustrine systems to deep alder carr formations. Four plant community types were identified, anchored by Nitella opaca, Lemna minor, Nymphaea alba and Myriophyllum spp., each tracking distinct hydrochemical conditions. The results highlight the critical conservation status of this wetland complex, threatened by sand encroachment, urban expansion and water pumping, and underscore the potential of benthic macrophytes as reliable bioindicators of water quality in Mediterranean wetland systems.

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