Floristic Composition and Phytoecological Characterization of Plant Communities in the M'Goun Geopark, Hight Atlas of Morocco

The vegetation cover in Morocco is impacted profoundly by human activities and climate change. However, the majority of ecosystems are not yet assessed. Using the sampling of vegetation, climate data, substrate (geological) map and altitudes (Digital Elevation Model) the phytoecology of species is constructed. The study revealed that the geopark contain 565 species. Floristic analysis, using correspondence analysis test, demonstrates that species are grouped into six distinct blocks. Block 1 comprises a set of Quercus ilex forests. Block 2 encompasses Juniperus phoenicea lands and transition zones between Q. ilex and J. phoenicea. Block 3 represents Pinus halepensis forests and pine occurrences within Q. ilex and J. phoenicea stands. Block 4 indicates the emergence of xerophytic species alongside the aforementioned species, suggesting the upper limits of Blocks 1, 2, and 3. Block 5 corresponds to formations dominated by Juniperus thurifera in association with xerophytes. Block 6 groups together a set of xerophytic species characteristic of high mountain environments. The formations species sampled are: Q. ilex that colonizes the subhumid zones, J. phoenicea, Tetraclinis articulata and P. halepensis occupy the hot part of the semi-arid while the J. thurifera and xerophytes inhabits its cold part. The thermo-Mediterranean vegetation level occupies low altitudes and is dominated by Tetraclinis articulata, J. phoenicea, and Olea europaea. The meso-Mediterranean level extends to intermediate altitudes and is dominated by Q. ilex and J. phoenicea. The supra-Mediterranean level, also found at intermediate altitudes, is dominated by Q. ilex, Arbutus unedo, and Cistus creticus. The mountain Mediterranean level, located in high mountains, is dominated by J. thurifera associated with xerophytes. Finally, the oro-Mediterranean level, found at extreme altitudes, is dominated by xerophytes. Generally, Q. ilex formations prefer limestone substrates. P. halepensis occupies limestone, clays, and conglomerates. J. phoenicea is more commonly associated with clays and sandstones. Xerophytic species and J. thurifera tend to inhabit limestone substrates. Some species within this region are endemic, rare, and threatened. Consequently, the implementation of effective conservation and protection policies is crucial.