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The ecological response curve of Abies marocana for variable Bio-5 (Maximum temperature of warmest month) and Bio-10 (Average temperature of warmest quarter).
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Moroccan fir (Abies marocana Trabut) located in Talassemtane National Park, is endemic species of the Moroccan Rif, classified as "endangered" in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Since the beginning of the last century, this species has suffered 70% habitat loss. However, despite its bioecological, economic and social importance , Moroccan...
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... ecological response curves of the two variables with the largest contribution showed that the presence of A. marocana is favourable in areas where Bio-5 (the maximum temperature of warmest month) and Bio-10 (the average temperature of the warmest quarter) is equal to 26.3 °C and 17.9 °C respectively. By contrast, the species is almost absent when Bio-5 and Bio-10 exceed 29 °C and 22 °C respectively ( Figure 4 and 5). Abbildung 5: Verteilung der Variablen Bio-5 (maximale Temperatur des wärmsten Monats) und Bio-10 (mittlere Temperatur des wärmsten Viertels) im Untersuchungsgebiet. ...
Citations
... It is distributed among two distinct locations, namely the Talassemtane forest and the Tazaout forest. It exclusively develops on limestone and dolomitic substrates, with soils of Cambisol/Arenosol, Regosol, and Rendzic Leptosol/Luviosol (Alaoui et al., 2021), under bioclimates ranging from humid to perhumid with fresh and cold variants. Pioneering phytosociological studies (Benabid, 1982;Mhirit, 1982;Melhaoui, 1990;Aafi, 1995) identified three associations formed by Abies marocana according to an altitudinal gradient (Fig. 2): 1) Trifolio ochroleuci-Quercetum fagineae; 2) Paeonio maroccanae-Abietetum maroccanae; and 3) Berberido hispanicae-Cedretum atlanticae. ...
... sol brun forestier foncé selon le système américain ou Chernosols selon le système français) sur substrats calcaires et dolomitiques (Baumer 1977, Benjelloun 1993, Boukil 1998, Benabid 2000. Récemment, la carte des sols au PNT établie par Alaoui et al. (2021) confirme le développement exclusif de la sapinière du Maroc sur substrat calcaire, en particulier sur : Cambisols (selon le Système International de Classification des Sols ; sol brun forestier selon le système Français), Rendzic Leptosols (sol calcimagnésien généralement sous la forêt de conifères), Luvisols (sols rouges fersiallitiques lessivés) ou encore sur Arenosols (sols peu évolués) (International Soil Classification System ; IUSS Working Group WRB 2015, Alaoui et al. 2021). ...
... sol brun forestier foncé selon le système américain ou Chernosols selon le système français) sur substrats calcaires et dolomitiques (Baumer 1977, Benjelloun 1993, Boukil 1998, Benabid 2000. Récemment, la carte des sols au PNT établie par Alaoui et al. (2021) confirme le développement exclusif de la sapinière du Maroc sur substrat calcaire, en particulier sur : Cambisols (selon le Système International de Classification des Sols ; sol brun forestier selon le système Français), Rendzic Leptosols (sol calcimagnésien généralement sous la forêt de conifères), Luvisols (sols rouges fersiallitiques lessivés) ou encore sur Arenosols (sols peu évolués) (International Soil Classification System ; IUSS Working Group WRB 2015, Alaoui et al. 2021). ...
Le Rif occidental (nord du Maroc) abrite des forêts caractérisées par une phytodiversité particulière, notamment en espèces ligneuses. Parmi les plus remarquables, on trouve la sapinière du Maroc (Abies marocana Trab. ≡ Abies pinsapo subsp. marocana (Trab.) Emb. & Maire). Ce travail ambitionne, pour la première fois, d’exposer une synthèse bibliographique compréhensive de toutes les connaissances disponibles sur la distribution géographique, milieu physique et environnement humain, les menaces et les lacunes dans les travaux actuels portant sur la sapinière du Maroc. Cette sapinière occupe une superficie ne dépassant pas 4000 ha confinés à certains reliefs de la dorsale calcaire au niveau du Parc National de Talassemtane entre 1500 m et 2100 m d’altitude sous des bioclimats allant de l’humide au per-humide à variantes fraîche et froide. Parmi les menaces auxquelles fait face la sapinière, on compte l’extension des cultures du Cannabis spp., les feux de forêt et le récent commerce électronique» par «la sécheresse récurrente. Les changements climatiques risquent également d’affecter la capacité des écosystèmes forestiers à remplir leurs fonctions vitales. Les prédictions récentes prévoient la réduction de l’aire de distribution de la sapinière à l’horizon de 2050 et voire même une disparition totale à l’horizon de 2070. Nous soulignons la nécessité de multiplier les études sur différents aspects de la sapinière dont la capacité de régénération et les approches efficaces de conservation. Les espèces y sont liées, étant pour la plupart endémiques, rares et/ou en danger d’extinction, devraient recevoir plus d’attention en raison de leur endémisme et leur statut de conservation
... Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model algorithm methods (Phillips, 2006) has proved powerful when modeling rare species and various earthly phenomenon with narrow ranges and available scarce presence-only occurrence data (Abdelaal et al., 2019;Alaoui et al., 2021a;Al-Qaddi et al., 2016;Ayan et al., 2022;Elith et al., 2006;Elith et al., 2011;Laaribya et al, 2021;Stephan et al., 2020;Torun & Altunel, 2020). Indeed, species distribution models (SDMs) are frequently used to predict the potential and future geographic range of a species based on observations of species occurence or abundance with environmental estimates. ...
The increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall are expected to have negative effects on ecosystem services causing significant shrinkage or shift in forest distributions particularly in the Mediterranean basin. In this study, we aimed to determine the distribution of Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica Manetti), modeling the current and potential future distributions in Morocco with Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) approach. Modeling was performed using all bioclimatic variables that show a significant relationship to the current distribution of Atlas cedar and that were specifically preferred in the literature by several similar studies. Prediction of warmer future scenarios showed that populations in the potential area would decrease by 21% for RCP 4.5 (2050), by 23% for RCP 4.5 (2070), by 35% for RCP 8.5 (2050), and 41% for RCP 8.5 (2070) and that there would be an impact in all ranges including the Cedar Biosphere Reserve in Morocco. Similarly, the Atlas cedar would lose its isolated-marginal populations in its southern and western extents. The results underline the importance of a genetic conservation program for cedar populations in Morocco. Otherwise, gene pools seem to turn extinct due to climate change. Furthermore, this study is intended to provide a starting point for continuous monitoring of Atlas cedars distributions while observing its climatic migration. Species distribution modeling generates valuable information for conservation management strategies for this endemic, rare, and threatened relict tree species. The results can be used to identify high-priority areas for Atlas cedar restoration and conservation against the expected impact of climate change.
... In a recent study, Moukrim et al. (2022) modelled the potential A. marocana distribution under current climate conditions and found that the potentially suitable area for A. marocana is typically limited to northern Morocco, demonstrating its restricted affinity to the Rif Mountains. Alaoui et al. (2021) found that the potential distribution range of A. marocana is about 13,084 ha, including its current area (i.e. approximately 4,060 ha). ...
... Under fir forest, soils mainly belong to the Alfisols type, which is more prevalent in the perhumid bioclimate, in particular in association with Mollisols on limestone and dolomitic substrates (Baumer 1977;Benjelloun 1993;Boukil 1998;Benabid 2000). Recently, Alaoui et al. (2021) also reported the exclusive development of A. marocana on calcareous substrates, in particular on Cambisols, Rendzic Leptosols, Luvisols or Arenosols. ...
... Based on dendrochronological data, Navarro-Cerrillo et al. (2020) found that A. marocana growth is significantly influenced by temperatures and precipitation of current-year winter and spring, and by drought severity. Recent investigations also found that the mean temperature of the warmest quarter, the mean annual temperature, the maximum temperature of the warmest month, and the mean annual precipitation represent the environmental factors influencing the occurrence of A. marocana the most (Alaoui et al. 2021). More recently, Moukrim et al. (2022) reported that precipitation of the wettest quarter along with precipitation of the coldest quarter was the most important factor controlling the distribution of A. marocana. ...
Moroccan fir, known botanically as Abies marocana Trab. (Pinaceae), is a North African mountain coniferous species endemic to the calcareous ridge of the western Rif Mountains (northern Morocco). It is adapted to humid and perhumid bioclimates. It is one of the circum-Mediterranean firs of the section Piceaster, characterized by rigid needles. The species is endangered and included on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This relict species plays key ecological roles in maintaining genetic, specific and ecosystemic biodiversity. Little attention has been devoted to A. marocana forest regeneration, which is one of the biggest concerns for scientists and managers. The present review critically synthesizes the available peer-reviewed literature on A. marocana to highlight the scientific advances on this species and to address knowledge gaps that may constitute future research perspectives. The factors threatening the existence of A. marocana forests the most are anthropogenic pressure, mainly agricultural expansion (especially the cultivation of Cannabis), which is reported to be the main cause of the continuous decline in the range of the species, and climate change. We have identified several knowledge gaps, mainly in species ecophysiology, climate change impacts, pests and diseases, seed germination and regeneration requirements, restoration, biological properties of essential oils and organic extracts, and ex situ conservation. Suitable strategies for both in situ and ex situ conservation of the species should be an urgent topic for both scientists and foresters.
... Both species are included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species as endangered species, with climate change one of the main threats to their conservation Arista et al., 2011). Events of forest dieback and mortality have been mainly reported for A. pinsapo (Linares et al., 2009;Navarro-Cerrillo et al., 2020a;Navarro-Cerrillo et al., 2022;Corteś-Molino et al., 2023), while the sensitivity to climate change of A. marocana has been also pointed out (Esteban et al., 2010;Navarro-Cerrillo et al., 2020b;Alaoui et al., 2021). Despite the increasing concern regarding the apparent rising mortality rates of these relict tree species in the context of pervasive environmental changes and habitat loss, the genetic mechanisms underlying contrasting vulnerability among individuals are still poorly understood. ...
... Since temperature increase and extreme drought events have been reported in the range of A. pinsapo and A. marocana (Linares et al., 2009;IPCC, 2022;Meńdez-Cea et al., 2023b), the GEA results provide insights into the genetic response of these relict species to the ongoing climate change. A. pinsapo populations showed associations with temperature and precipitation variables, indicating that both are important to its development (Alba-Sańchez et al., 2010;Loṕez-Tirado and Hidalgo, 2014), while recent studies performed on A. marocana pointed out to the main role of temperature (Alaoui et al., 2021;Meńdez-Cea et al., 2023b). ...
... Similar results were obtained by dendrochronological studies and climate growth for the whole circum-Mediterranean fir group (Sańchez-Salguero et al., 2017;Meńdez-Cea et al., 2023b). Regarding A. marocana, previous studies aimed at the potential distribution of Moroccan fir, based on species distribution models (SDMs), showed that the main variables conditioning the presence of A. marocana were the average temperature of the warmest quarter and the maximum temperature of the warmest month (Alaoui et al., 2021). Further, similar methodological approaches performed for A. pinsapo also obtained a significant effect on temperatures (Alba-Sańchez et al., 2010;López-Tirado and Hidalgo, 2014). ...
Circum-Mediterranean firs are considered among the most drought-sensitive species to climate change. Understanding the genetic basis of trees’ adaptive capacity and intra-specific variability to drought avoidance is mandatory to define conservation measures, thus potentially preventing their extinction. We focus here on Abies pinsapo and Abies marocana, both relict tree species, endemic from south Spain and north Morocco, respectively. A total of 607 samples were collected from eight nuclei: six from Spanish fir and two from Moroccan fir. A genotyping by sequencing technique called double digestion restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) was performed to obtain a genetic matrix based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This matrix was utilized to study the genetic structure of A. pinsapo populations and to carry out selection signature studies. In order to understand how Spanish fir and Moroccan fir cope with climate change, genotype–environment associations (GEAs) were identified. Further, the vulnerability of these species to climate variations was estimated by the risk of non-adaptedness (RONA). The filtering of the de novo assembly of A. pinsapo provided 3,982 SNPs from 504 out of 509 trees sequenced. Principal component analysis (PCA) genetically separated Grazalema from the rest of the Spanish populations. However, FST values showed significant differences among the sampling points. We found 51 loci potentially under selection. Homolog sequences were found for some proteins related to abiotic stress response, such as dehydration-responsive element binding transcription factor, regulation of abscisic acid signaling, and methylation pathway. A total of 15 associations with 11 different loci were observed in the GEA studies, with the maximum temperature of the warmest month being the variable with the highest number of associated loci. This temperature sensitivity was also supported by the risk of non-adaptedness, which yielded a higher risk for both A. pinsapo and A. marocana under the high emission scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5). This study sheds light on the response to climate change of these two endemic species.
... This finding strongly agrees with the existing literature (Barbero, Quezel, 1975;Benabid, 2000;Quezel, 1998) and with the actual occurrences of this species (Fig. 1b). The current potential map presents a more extended distribution than the current occurrences, which is consistent with other findings for the genus Abies (Alaoui et al., 2021;Gazol et al., 2015;Navarro-Cerrillo et al., 2020)this modification may vary in strength and intensity across a species' biogeographical range. Here, we study European populations of silver fir (Abies alba. ...
Global warming is becoming a major concern affecting many components of the biodiversity at a global scale and disproportionately affecting the integrity of ecosystems, particularly the habitat of endemic species. Understanding its impacts on most vulnerable species is essential to improve knowledge on the ecology of these species and for their long-term management and conservation. Abies marocana Trabut (Moroccan fir), a remarkable forest tree of the Mediterranean basin, is an endangered species that is present in discreet small areas of the Rif Mountains, which is highly vulnerable to the ongoing climate warming and facing severe anthropogenic pressures. For conservation and management purposes, our work focused on improving understanding of the impacts of future climate change on the distribution of this species through its habitat suitability modeling. The maximum entropy approach was used, which achieved good predictive abilities. Habitat suitability was identified and then predicted under current and future climate conditions. A significant change and a gradual regression of the habitat suitability to A. marocana was shown under different future climate scenarios. The magnitude of the simulated changes is important and tends to have negative consequences for Moroccan fir conservation. For this purpose, outputs from models are useful to improve our knowledge about the ecology of A. marocana, and predictive maps produced under current and future climate conditions constitute reflection tools available to scientists and managers to better integrate actual and future climate impacts into existing and upcoming management strategies to prevent any future locale extinction.
... Soils are mainly Alfisols, being more extensively present in the perhumide climate under fir forest, particularly in association with Mollisols over calcareous and dolomitic substrates (Benjelloun, 1993;Alaoui et al., 2021). According to Ghallab and Taïqui (2015), the mean temperature in the study area, is comprised between 12 and 14 • C, the averages of the maxima temperatures of the hottest month did not exceed 33 • c, and the averages of the minima temperature of the coldest month are around 0 • C but can diminish to − 3 • C at high elevation. ...
Understanding spatially-explicit interactions between co-existing tree species provides valuable information about the trade-offs between facilitation and competition driving species coexistence and forest dynamics. Here, we analyzed the fine scale spatial pattern of Moroccan fir (Abies marocana) and Cedrus atlantica (Cedrus atlantica) in a mixed forest (Talassemtane National Park, northern Morocco) and discuss its consequences on intra- and inter-specific interactions and stand dynamics. All trees were mapped and measured in ten plots to investigate uni- and bivariate spatial point patterns using pair-correlation and mark correlation functions. Tree ring data was also investigated from increment cores to assess the growth and age patterns of both species. Fir and cedar trees showed similar basal area and mean diameter distributions, while A. marocana presented a higher density and regeneration. There was an overall aggregation of conspecific and heterospecific individuals at small distances up to 2 m. Univariate analysis of tree size classes supports that juveniles of both species, as well as A. marocana adult trees, show an aggregated pattern at fine scales up to 2 m, while C. atlantica adults exhibit a random pattern. Observed spatial patterns are consistent with the hypothesis of attraction mechanisms between fir and adult trees of C. atlantica. Abies marocana recruitment mainly occurred inside the canopy of dominant trees (at distances varying from c.a 1 m under cedar adults to 3 m under adult conspecifics), while C. atlantica was the dominant regeneration in small gaps. The studied A. marocana-C. atlantica mixed forests showed a transition from an initiation phase led by C. atlantica to a subsequent stem exclusion phase, where dominant trees shade out less-competitive trees and mainly fir trees can establish in the forest understory. According to the observed spatial patterns and growth rates, enhancing C. atlantica establishment in degraded areas may be a suitable proactive and adaptive management to promote long-term conservation of endemic Abies marocana under current climate change trends.
... This species could be considered as a relict tree species since it has endured a reduction of original distribution rather recently in Earth's history, due to climate changes and/or anthropogenic activities [6,7]. Currently, only two populations of A. marocana exist in the Rif Mountains of Morocco; the first one is confined to Mt. Tazaout, and the second spreads over the Chefchaouen Mountains (the mountains of Sfiha Tell, Tissouka, Lakraa, Talassemtane, Bouslimane, Taloussisse, Fahs, and Kharbouch) included in the Talassemtane National Park, an area belonging to the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean [5,6,8,9]. In general, this species is adapted to the humid Mediterranean climate with cold winters, tolerates frosts over long periods, and grows on dolomitic limestone substrates, between 1400 m and 2100 m above sea level [9]. ...
... Currently, only two populations of A. marocana exist in the Rif Mountains of Morocco; the first one is confined to Mt. Tazaout, and the second spreads over the Chefchaouen Mountains (the mountains of Sfiha Tell, Tissouka, Lakraa, Talassemtane, Bouslimane, Taloussisse, Fahs, and Kharbouch) included in the Talassemtane National Park, an area belonging to the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean [5,6,8,9]. In general, this species is adapted to the humid Mediterranean climate with cold winters, tolerates frosts over long periods, and grows on dolomitic limestone substrates, between 1400 m and 2100 m above sea level [9]. ...
... The extant Moroccan fir forests are affected by several abiotic factors, including droughts, the average temperature of the warmest quarter, the maximum temperature of the warmest month [9,10], annual average temperatures, annual average precipitation, soil moisture, and lithology [11], biotic factors, such as competition with less demanding species, as well as anthropogenic activities, including logging and habitat alterations [6,8,12]. Previous works have reported population declines and the poor natural regeneration of A. marocana [6,13]. ...
In the frame of the sustainable use of neglected and underutilized phytogenetic resources, and along with numerous studies in Abies spp. due to the innate conservation value of fir forests, this research focused on the Moroccan endemic fir, Abies marocana. The aim was triple-fold: to assess its potential and dynamics in economic sectors for sustainable exploitation; to determine the ecological conditions in which the species naturally thrives; and to find the appropriate requirements for its successful seed germination. We sourced multifaceted evaluations for three economic sectors performed in three levels, using 48 attributes and eight criteria from previous studies of our own, and the relevant species-specific assessments are overviewed herein in detail. The species' ecological profile was constructed using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and open access data (Worldclim). Seed germination trials were performed to examine the effect of cold stratification (non-stratified, one-and two-months stratified seeds), the influence of four temperatures (10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C), and interactions thereof in relation to germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT). The experiments showed that the interaction of cold stratification and germination temperature has a strong effect on the GP and MGT of A. marocana seeds. Α detailed Citation: Hatzilazarou, S.; Haissoufi, M.E.; Pipinis, E.; Kostas, S.; Libiad, M.; Khabbach, A.; Lamchouri, F.; Bourgou, S.; Megdiche-Ksouri, W.; Ghrabi-Gammar, Z.; et al. GIS-Facilitated Seed Germination and Multifaceted Evaluation of the Endangered Abies marocana Trab. (Pinaceae) Enabling Conservation and Sustainable Exploitation. Plants 2021, 10, 2606. https://doi.
Endemic island species face heightened extinction risk from climate-driven shifts, yet standard models often underestimate threat levels for those like Quercus alnifolia, an iconic Cypriot oak with pre-adaptations to aridity. Through species distribution modelling, we investigated the potential shifts in its distribution under future climate and land-use change scenarios. Our approach uniquely combines dispersal constraints, detailed soil characteristics, hydrological factors, and anticipated soil erosion data, offering a comprehensive assessment of environmental suitability. We quantified the species’ sensitivity, exposure, and vulnerability to projected changes, conducting a preliminary IUCN extinction risk assessment according to Criteria A and B. Our projections uniformly predict range reductions, with a median decrease of 67.8% by the 2070s under the most extreme scenarios. Additionally, our research indicates Quercus alnifolia’s resilience to diverse erosion conditions and preference for relatively dry climates within a specific annual temperature range. The preliminary IUCN risk assessment designates Quercus alnifolia as Critically Endangered in the future, highlighting the need for focused conservation efforts. Climate and land-use changes are critical threats to the species’ survival, emphasising the importance of comprehensive modelling techniques and the urgent requirement for dedicated conservation measures to safeguard this iconic species.
On a global scale, human activities and unsustainable consumption and production patterns have, over the last century, led to an erosion of biodiversity, manifested by a major wave of ecosystem degradation and species extinction. Faced with this alarming situation, and in recognition of the importance of biodiversity for humanity, governments have adopted several conventions aimed essentially at conserving biodiversity. Aware of the threats of degradation to biodiversity, and in order to honor its international commitments by ratifying several conventions, Morocco has drawn up a Master Plan for Protected Areas (1996), which aims to evaluate the main natural environments over a surface area of 2.5 million hectares, and to identify 154 Sites of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE). The aim of this work is to present a diagnosis of the current situation, the importance and evolution of the diversity of natural ecosystems and the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, through case studies in Morocco.
