Analysis of the Floristic Biodiversity of the Afghan Mountain Boutaleb Massif South of Sétif Algeria

Abstract

One of the most important Highlands located in Setif, is the forest block of Djebel Boutaleb. The latter considers the main mass in the eastern part of the brood chain. It is located in Djebel Boutaleb, between the high plains of Setif in the north and El-Hodna basin in the south. Its height ranges from 980 to 1886 m at the highest peak (Afghan Summit). The area is located with its rugged terrain, even with its semi-humid climate and cold winters. The forest wealth varies greatly in this region. We find Atlantic cedar, Aleppo pine, oak, juniper, wreath, wormwood. in this study, we conducted a first survey of the floristic diversity at Afghane  Mountain.

The floristic analysis based on the method of Braun-Blanquet with a minimum surface of 100 m² allowed us to draw up a study of the Biological diversity of the Afghan Summit of 238 species distributed over 40 families, Classified into multiple biological and chorological types. Among these species, we find 22 endemic species. In the Mountain, the overall Shannon-Wiener diversity was 3.02 and index of Pielou of woody species was 0.88, indicating that the diversity in the Mountain is relatively high.We conclude that Afghane Mountain has a unique vegetation structure, and the area qualifies for conservation as a high value area for biodiversity and conservation of global significance.