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Floristic Composition, Diversity, Palatability, and Forage Availability of Forest Rangelands in the Southern Mediterranean Region of Northern Morocco

Author

Listed:
  • Youssef Chebli

    (Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Tangier, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, BP 415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco)

  • Mouad Chentouf

    (Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Tangier, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, BP 415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco)

  • Jean-François Cabaraux

    (Department of Veterinary Management of Animal Resources, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 6, B43, 4000 Liège, Belgium)

  • Samira El Otmani

    (Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Tangier, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, BP 415 Rabat Principale, Rabat 10090, Morocco)

Abstract

Forest rangelands are an important component of extensive goat production in the Mediterranean region. The aim of this study was to survey the floristic composition, lifespan, life forms, phytogeographic relationships, palatability degree, and forage availability of forest rangelands in Northern Morocco. To achieve this goal, a plant species inventory was carried out, and a digital herbarium was constructed. Forage availability was estimated using the quadrat method. According to the results, 358 taxa were recorded with 228 genera and 66 families. The flora is mainly dominated by Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Lamiaceae families. Six principal life forms of plants were recognized with the predominance of therophytes (48.3%). The Mediterranean floristic category was the most dominant in the flora (73.7%) with 264 species. The palatability degree was studied for 95 taxa, known by herders. The palatable plant group was highly represented with 32 species. Of these identified taxa, 93% were evaluated as potential sources of forage for grazing animals. The forage availability depended considerably on the season and the existing plant species ( p < 0.01). The spring recorded the higher value with 3143 kg DM/ha. In conclusion, forest rangelands have a high biodiversity, which they need for rigorous protection to preserve their floristic composition and diversity.

Suggested Citation

  • Youssef Chebli & Mouad Chentouf & Jean-François Cabaraux & Samira El Otmani, 2023. "Floristic Composition, Diversity, Palatability, and Forage Availability of Forest Rangelands in the Southern Mediterranean Region of Northern Morocco," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:1:p:215-:d:1030208
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Youssef Chebli & Samira El Otmani & Fouad Elame & Nassim Moula & Mouad Chentouf & Jean-Luc Hornick & Jean-François Cabaraux, 2021. "Silvopastoral System in Morocco: Focus on Their Importance, Strategic Functions, and Recent Changes in the Mediterranean Side," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Mouldi Gamoun & Mounir Louhaichi, 2021. "Botanical Composition and Species Diversity of Arid and Desert Rangelands in Tataouine, Tunisia," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-12, March.
    3. D. Nogués-Bravo & M. B. Araújo & T. Romdal & C. Rahbek, 2008. "Scale effects and human impact on the elevational species richness gradients," Nature, Nature, vol. 453(7192), pages 216-219, May.
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