Floristic diversity of Saharan wetlands in the region of Oued Righ, northeastern Sahara of Algeria

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the floristic composition and the vegetation structure of different Saharan wetlands in the region of Oued Righ. Six (6) Saharan wetlands were examined; the Lake of Merjaja, Lake of Megarine, Lake of Sidi Slimane, lake of Ayata, Lake Ain Zerga, and Oued Khrouf. A total of 25 stands were investigated using the quadrat method, with five stands for each wetland. The different vegetation parameters, such as cover, frequency and density were calculated. A total of 24 plant species belonging to 20 genera and 13 families were identified. Chenopodiaceae was the predominant family with 6 species. The majority of the species were of Saharo-Arabian distribution. Chemaephytes had the highest contribution to the life forms spectra. The potential role of the halophyte species is discussed. These results might contribute to a better understanding of the functions, requirements, and sensitivities of these ecosystems.