Matorrals, Mediterranean shrublands including maquis and garrigue form a key component of Algeria’s ecological landscapes. Stretching from coastal zones to foothills and lower mountain belts, they serve as transitional ecosystems between humid northern forests and southern semi-arid steppes. Despite their limited spatial coverage, they host rich biodiversity, including many endemic and xerophytic species, and provide crucial ecosystem services such as soil protection, carbon storage, and hydrological regulation. Their structural diversity and adaptive traits make them among the most resilient vegetation types under Mediterranean climatic stress. Recent national studies and international assessments (IUCN, Plan Bleu) highlight their essential role in land management, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation [1-2].
Ecologically, Algerian matorrals display strong heterogeneity shaped by geology, topography, altitude, and human disturbance. Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera) dominates xeric, south-facing slopes, while green oak (Quercus ilex) thrives in cooler montane settings. Calcareous garrigues host aromatic and sclerophyllous species, whereas pre-Saharan shrublands exhibit advanced xeromorphic adaptations. Though often viewed as secondary succession stages, matorrals maintain essential ecological functions such as soil stabilization, erosion control, and facilitation of natural regeneration [3-4].
Their biodiversity is equally notable: matorrals contain diverse Mediterranean floras, many with ethnobotanical value, and support characteristic fauna including reptiles, small mammals, specialized invertebrates, and varied avifauna. Their structural layering creates multiple ecological niches, and their landscape position makes them vital biological corridors that maintain connectivity amid growing fragmentation, especially along the Algerian coast [5-6].
Matorrals deliver significant ecosystem services. Their root systems limit erosion in highly fragile mid-mountain environments and improve infiltration while moderating runoff. They act as moderate but meaningful carbon sinks and contribute to rural livelihoods through forage, aromatic plants, fuelwood, beekeeping resources, and other non-timber goods. They also hold deep cultural significance, being linked to longstanding pastoral and agro-silvo-pastoral practices [7-8].
However, these ecosystems face mounting pressures from climate change and human activities. Algeria is already affected by reduced rainfall, recurrent drought, rising temperatures, and increased wildfire severity. These factors disrupt regeneration, promote opportunistic species, and can drive long-term vegetation simplification. Anthropogenic drivers, urbanization, infrastructure expansion, agricultural conversion, and overgrazing further amplify fragmentation and reduce ecological resilience [9-10].
Despite these challenges, matorrals are increasingly recognized as strategic assets for climate adaptation and mitigation. Their tolerance to drought and degraded soils, combined with their role in stabilizing fragile terrains, makes them effective components of nature-based solutions. In restoration contexts, they often serve as pioneer vegetation facilitating soil recovery and the eventual return of tree species. Their importance is emphasized by the IUCN and other international frameworks [11-12].
Regional patterns confirm these trends. In western Algeria (Tlemcen, Tessala), green oak stands have transitioned into compact but impoverished matorrals due to overgrazing and drought. In Chlef and parts of central Algeria, repeated cutting and fires have produced heterogeneous mosaics dominated by pioneer taxa. Coastal maquis are increasingly fragmented by urban and tourism development, reducing ecological connectivity. Red lists and habitat diagnostics provide essential guidance to prioritize conservation and restoration [13].
Sustainable management requires an integrated, multi-scale strategy: detailed mapping of degradation, involvement of herders and local authorities, promotion of alternative energy sources, regulation of pastoral pressure, and establishment of buffer zones. Fire prevention must rely on strengthened monitoring, firebreaks, and fuel management. In heavily degraded areas, restoration may require reintroducing native species, controlling invasives, and rehabilitating soils. Aligning matorral conservation with Algeria’s NDCs would also enhance institutional support and funding.
Research gaps persist, carbon stock measurements, climate trajectory modeling, fire-risk analysis, landscape connectivity metrics, and ecosystem service valuation. Collaboration with Mediterranean scientific networks and international institutions (IUCN, UNEP, Plan Bleu) would strengthen knowledge and management frameworks.
Recognizing matorrals as full-fledged ecosystems rather than degraded forest remnants is essential. They are highly functional, resilient plant formations that support biodiversity, stabilize soils, and regulate hydrology. Their preservation and restoration are strategic priorities for Algeria’s ecological and climate adaptation.
References
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[2] Belhacini Fatima, Anteur Djamel, Bouazza Mohamed. Impact of climatic variations on matorrals in the southern of Tlemcen (western Algeria). Plant Archives, Volume 20 No. 2, 2020 pp. 4981-4991. e-ISSN:2581-6063 (online),ISSN:0972-5210.
[3] Belhacini Fatima, Meziane Hassiba, Anteur Djame,t Bouazza Mohamed. Characterization of Groups to Matorral in the South-slope of Tlemcen (Western Algeria). J. Appl. Environ. Biol. Sci., 7(1)1-1, 2017. ISSN: 2090-4274
[4] José S.Carrión, Juan Ochando, Fabrizio Michelangeli, Francisco Jiménez-Espejo, Fernando Ojeda, Gabriela Amorós, Manuel Munuera, Ana B. Marín-Arroyo, Penélope González-Sampériz, Joaquín Rodríguez-Vidal, Federico Di Rita, Donatella Magri.Tracing 40,000 years of vegetation change in the Baetic-Rifan biodiversity hotspot. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology.Volume 331, December 2024, 105202.
[5] Chebli, Y.; Chentouf, M.; Cabaraux, J.-F.; El Otmani, S. Floristic Composition, Diversity, Palatability, and Forage Availability of Forest Rangelands in the Southern Mediterranean Region of Northern Morocco. Land 2023, 12, 215. https:// doi.org/10.3390/land12010215
[6] Valderrábano, M., Gil, T., Heywood, V., and de Montmollin, B. (eds.) (2018). Conserving wild plants in the south and east Mediterranean region. Gland, Switzerland and Málaga, Spain: IUCN. xiii +146 pp.
[7] Qiang Feng, Wenwu Zhao, Xiangping Hu, Liu Yue, Stefani Daryanto, Francesco Cherubini. Trading-off ecosystem services for better ecological restoration: A case study in the Loess Plateau of China. Journal of Cleaner Production.257(2020):120469.DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120469
[8] Balková, M.; Kubalíková, L.; Prokopová, M.; Sedlák, P.; Bajer, A. Ecosystem Services of Vegetation Features as the Multifunction Anti-Erosion Measures in the Czech Republic in 2019 and Its 30-Year Prediction. Agriculture 2021, 11, 105. https://doi.org/10.3390/ agriculture11020105
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[10] Bright Danso Appiagyei. Degradation of the South Mediterranean forest ecosystem. A perspective on fire regime, land cover change and carbon stock dynamics: the case of Tlemcen, North-West Algeria. Doctoral Thesis in Forestry. University Abou Bakr Belkaid Tlemcim, Faculty of Natural, Life, Earth and Universe Sciences Department of Forest Resources. 2023.
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