Vegetation recolonisation of a Mediterranean temporary pool in Morocco following small-scale experimental disturbance

Amami, Btissam; Rhazi, Laïla; Bouahim, Siham; Rhazi, Mouhssine; Grillas, Patrick

doi:10.1007/978-90-481-9088-1_18

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…() showed that sheep grazing in Australian ephemeral wetlands reduced seed density and diversity compared to non‐grazed habitats because of past selective feeding and trampling. In contrast to our findings, Amami, Rhazi, Bouahim, Rhazi, and Grillas () and Sahib, Rhazi, Rhazi, and Grillas () showed that simulated trampling only had limited effects on macrophyte cover due to the buffering capacity of sediment in natural temporary ponds in Morocco. Differences in species composition, seed densities in soil, and experiment duration may have limited community resilience to trampling in the present study.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Livestock disturbances in Mediterranean temporary ponds: A mesocosm experiment with sheep manure and simulated trampling

et al. 2019

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The number and quality of temporary wetlands are declining worldwide and many of the remaining habitats are used as pastures and drinking sites for livestock. Livestock can impact wetlands through a combination of herbivory (defoliation), trampling (physical disturbance), and defecation (nutrient input), but how these influence community structure is still poorly understood. It is nonetheless generally accepted that wetland management can include some grazing, and that properly managed livestock can play a major role in wetland conservation. In Mediterranean temporary ponds, however, it is suggested that grazing might negatively affect macrophyte biodiversity within the pond basin. The impact of livestock on the characteristic freshwater fauna also remains understudied. Using an outdoor mesocosm experiment, we focused on two effects of sheep livestock (trampling and defecation) and their combination, on water quality and on faunal and floral communities from Moroccan temporary ponds. Communities from forested and agricultural sites (pond type) were also compared in a factorial design with treatments. We found that sheep‐simulated trampling and nutrient input decreased hatching invertebrate and plant richness, while lasting effects on water quality and actively colonising communities were limited. Temporary pond communities from forested and agricultural sites differed in species composition and interacted with treatments in their effects on hatching crustaceans and macrophyte species composition. Treatments had a larger effect on the species composition of forest ponds compared to agricultural ponds. These results highlight the complex effects livestock may have on aquatic communities. Water quality, taxonomic groups, and trophic levels responded negatively to trampling and waste treatments and these responses changed with pond type. With worldwide declines of seasonal wetland habitat, the effects of land use (i.e. livestock grazing) on these ecosystems and their biota are important to consider for integrated and sustainable management.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Livestock disturbances in Mediterranean temporary ponds: A mesocosm experiment with sheep manure and simulated trampling

et al. 2019

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“…Results showed that the richness of plant communities was not affected by this disturbance (Sahib et al, 2009). Furthermore, the recovery from such disturbance was rapid and, after 2 years, the species composition of the vegetation in disturbed plots was similar to that of the control plots (Amami et al, 2009). These results do not necessarily mean that disturbance by herbivores, especially during the plants' growing season, will not have a significant impact on the vegetation and its richness, but rather that its impact can be modulated.…”

Section: Special Issue Contentmentioning

confidence: 74%

“…For example Amami et al (2009) and Sahib et al (2009) considered the effect of small scale disturbances in a series of Mediterranean temporary pools (simulating that caused by herbivorous mammals). Results showed that the richness of plant communities was not affected by this disturbance (Sahib et al, 2009).…”

Section: Special Issue Contentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pond conservation: from science to practice

Oertli

Céréghino

Hull

et al. 2009

Pond Conservation in Europe

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In Europe, ponds are an exceptionally numerous and widely distributed landscape feature forming a major part of the continental freshwater resource and contributing significantly to freshwater biodiversity conservation. This has been reflected by a growing scientific concern over the first few years of the twenty-first century and is evidenced by an increasing number of academic publications on pond related topics, particularly those relating to biodiversity. It is essential, however, that this expanding scientific knowledge is widely disseminated to those involved with pond management and is then rapidly translated into action. Inevitably, the task of transferring science to practice remains a significant challenge. As a first step towards meeting this challenge the European Pond Conservation Network (EPCN), at its biennial meeting in 2008 in Valencia (Spain), made this the main theme of the conference together with two special workshops further encouraging exchanges between scientists, practitioners and policy makers. The papers selected for this special issue of Hydrobiologia (from over 120 communications presented) are all from the conference. They represent a diverse collection of themes from across the continent and North Africa and present new and original insights into topics as wide ranging as: pond biodiversity; human disturbance; landscape ecology; ecological assessment and monitoring; practical management measures; ecological restoration; hydrology and climate change; invasive species and threatened species. In all cases, the papers demonstrate an overriding need for the development of a tight link between scientific knowledge and management. Furthermore, scientific advances have to be beneficial for on the ground management and, vitally, have to be disseminated, communicated and implemented into local, national and international policy. As such, national and international networks (such as the EPCN) have a central role to play and have to develop a robust information and communication strategy which will enable the dissemination of best practice materials and advice across the continent and beyond. The work contained in this volume represents a step in the right direction and will help to ensure that ponds remain a characteristic and highly

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Searching for socio-ecological approaches to increase Balanites trees through local small-scale conservation in the conservancies adjoining the Maasai Mara, Kenya

Grose,

Nampaso

2023

Socio Ecol Pract Res

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On the edges of the Maasai Mara in western Kenya there are 15 conservancies, where herds of wildlife, cattle, sheep, goats, and predators are found with Balanites aegyptiaca, an iconic and much-photographed tree known by many names, such as desert date, or more simply, Balanites. Most individuals are 80–90 years old, yet the tree has a life-expectancy of about 120 years. Lack of young trees is due to grazing and browsing impacts from sheep and goat herding that began about eighty years ago. Protecting young naturally regenerated trees is difficult as they are also grazed by large herbivores such as elephants and giraffe. In this perspective essay we describe botanical and social approaches to enable small-scale conservation in a remote area where no work on Balanites revegetation has been done previously. There are two core approaches. First, collecting seed from both superior mother trees and more widely to achieve a source of genetic diversity and second, to work with landowners and other locals on methods to protect new saplings from sheep and goats. These avenues of action in this poor rural area will set the stage for further practical research and assessment of methods to improve the regional survival of Balanites.

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Vegetation recolonisation of a Mediterranean temporary pool in Morocco following small-scale experimental disturbance

Cited by 3 publications

References 47 publications

Livestock disturbances in Mediterranean temporary ponds: A mesocosm experiment with sheep manure and simulated trampling

Livestock disturbances in Mediterranean temporary ponds: A mesocosm experiment with sheep manure and simulated trampling

Pond conservation: from science to practice

Searching for socio-ecological approaches to increase Balanites trees through local small-scale conservation in the conservancies adjoining the Maasai Mara, Kenya

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