The Man-Made Greenbelt: Biodiversity Dynamics and Ecosystem Resilience in the Hyper-Arid Sahara (Southern Algeria)

Greenbelts serve as critical ecological buffers in hyper-arid environments, offering refuge for biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem resilience.This study investigates the floristic composition, ecological structure, and biodiversity patterns of a semi-arid greenbelt system, integrating both plant and animal diversity assessments. A total of 21 plant species from 16 families were identified across 13 sampling stations. Biodiversity indices revealed moderate to high diversity: Shannon-Wiener Index (H’ = 2.0), Simpson's Index (D = 0.21), and Pielou’s Evenness (J’ = 0.65). Zygophyllum album, Setariaviridis , and Tamarix articulata emerged as dominant species based on the Importance Value Index (IVI), indicating their key ecological roles. Phytosociological analysis further highlighted significant variations in species distribution, density, and dominance. Jaccard’s Similarity Index revealed patterns of connectivity and fragmentation across stations, providing insights into habitat heterogeneity. Complementing the botanical survey, faunal observations recorded 54 animal species, comprising reptiles, mammals, and birds. Among these, Psammophisschokari , Varanus griseus , and Canis lupus were the most frequently observed. The presence of Testudo graeca , a vulnerable species, underscores the conservation value of the habitat. Correlation and PCA analyses identified stabilized sand area and vegetation cover rate as key factors influencing ecological protection distances. A regression model demonstrated that plant height, cover rate, and stabilized sand collectively explain the spatial extent of wind protection provided by the greenbelt. The results underline the multifunctional role of vegetation in biodiversity support and landscape stabilization.