Assessment and Conservation of Large Branchiopods Populations in the Wetland Complex of Northeastern Algeria | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||||
| Article 241, Volume 29, Issue 4, July and August 2025, Page 3393-3410 PDF (2.07 MB) | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2025.450430 | ||||
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| Author | ||||
| Rais et al. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| The Aures region's wetlands, located in eastern Algeria's High Plateaus, are ecologically significant because they provide essential habitats for diverse plant and animal species. This study was conducted from June 2022 to May 2023 and focused on four temporary wetlands in the region: Sebkhet El-Tarf, the Gemot ponds, Lake Timerganine, and the Ezzehar pond. Environmental monitoring was carried out, and monthly samples were collected to assess the multivariate associations between water physicochemical properties, local habitat features, and the species richness of large branchiopods. The study revealed that water pH, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen levels exhibited spatial and temporal variations. Principal component analysis (PCA) and dendrogram analyses revealed a contrast between pH and dissolved oxygen, salinity, and species richness. These analyses revealed seasonal patterns: March-April 2023 had high oxygen and salinity, July-August 2022 was warmer, and the winter months showed low pH and species richness compared to late spring. Site differences were mainly driven by temperature, species richness, and habitat state versus salinity and area. Three groups were identified: GP (warm, fragmented, and species-rich); GET (high salinity and large area); and TL/EP (deeper, with higher pH and oxygen). | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Large branchiopods; Northeastern Algeria; Wetlands; Fragmentation; Physicochemical parameters | ||||
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