Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

PROPOSAL FOR AN ACTION PLAN AGAINST THE INVASIVE SPECIES ACACIA MEARNSII DE WILD IN EXTREME NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA

Samir Chekchaki, Arifa Beddiar and Mohamed Djalil Zaafour

Abstract

Acacia mearnsii must be managed within the El Kala region. It is a source of loss of plant and animal biodiversity in an area that contains several Ramsar sites, located in a national park created in 1983. The scale of the damage caused is such that measures must be taken to drastically reduce its size. The purpose of this study is to diagnose the invasion of Acacia mearnsii on the basis of field information, namely its density and stage of development that will be integrated into a geographic information system to establish management measures adapted to these characteristics and to the conditions of the invaded environments. Crossing the layers of data made it possible to choose mechanical methods as a means of struggle and to develop an action program, prioritizing actions on the most sensitive and easy-to-manage sub-sectors. The analysis of the data shows that despite the expansion of the species through various landscapes located mostly within the El Kala National Park, it remains nevertheless in a phase of introduction or naturalization in several stations prospected. The eradication of these spots must be implemented before they become problematic. The cut is considered to be the most effective control of the species because of the high proportion of individuals with 25 to 65 cm trunk circumference. However, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the techniques and the measures to be taken and to validate the proposed methodology, it would be better for managers to put the Boumalek, Tonga and Ain l’Assel sites on standby, and to opt for experimental management of the Ouled Annen site.