Habitat diversity, ecology, and change assessment in the geoparc M’goun in High Atlas Mountains of Morocco

Abstract

The Moroccan High Atlas ecosystems, particularly the Geopark M’goun, face increasing threats from demographic and environmental pressures, necessitating urgent assessment. The habitat mapping is carried out using remote sensing and GIS techniques, along with fieldwork and Google Earth records. Habitat ecology is established using climate data, bioclimatic levels, vegetation levels, substrate types, and elevation data. Additionally, NDVI, change detection, and supervised classification are combined to assess habitat change. As a result, the M’goun Geopark exhibits an outstinding habitat diversity; Quercus ilex (27.53%) dominates up to 3000 m, favoring limestone and dolomites in subhumid zones, while Juniperus phoenicea (14.78%) occupies lower altitudes (up to 2000 m) and semi-arid regions. Pinus halepensis (1.38%) flourishes between 1100 and 2000 m, mainly in detrital formations and limestone, adaptable to semi-arid and subhumid bioclimates. Juniperus thurifera (1.33%) and xerophyte cushions (6.84%) thrive at high elevations in limestone terrains within subhumid cold bioclimate variants. Secondary habitats, including Chamaerops humilis, Buxus, and Euphorbia resinifera, thrive within the primary habitats. Furthermore, Juniperus thurifera and Pinus halepensis forests are severely degraded, while Quercus ilex and Juniperus phoenicea forests, though degraded, are more resilient. This funding supports conservation initiatives in Mediterranean ecosystems, addressing the urgent preservation and restoration policies.