ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF STEPPE RANGELANDS IN THE AIN SEFRA REGION (SOUTHWESTERN ALGERIA)

Abstract

This research was carried out in the Ain Sefra region of Algeria’s southwest. Satellite data monitored steppe rangelands’ spatiotemporal evolution and land cover dynamics. A diachronic analysis based on supervised classification using the modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI2) was applied. Two Landsat satellite images (ETM+ 2000 and OLI 2022) taken at 22-year intervals were used to map and assess changes in vegetation cover. The findings point to a regressive evolution of vegetation cover. The main causes of severe rangeland degradation are overgrazing, prolonged drought, and wind erosion. However, implementing a strategy to rehabilitate and conserve pastoral resources has positively impacted species’ biological recovery and flora richness. Geomatics has significantly contributed to this study as a tool for assessing and monitoring natural resources. MSAVI2 is a dependable and effective index for assessing the state of vegetation in arid to semi-arid regions.

Keywords

• diachronic analysis
• land use
• dynamics
• msavi2
• rehabilitation