<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>The Algerian steppes frequently experience droughts and significant anthropogenic activities than harm its natural resources, endangering the fragile arid ecosystem’s balance. Hence, an analysis of steppe degradation can be instrumental in initiating remedial measures in the region. This study aims to assess the level of rangeland degradation in the southern Hodna region, a crucial component of the steppe landscape, and analyse the factors driving this degradation. The methodology employed a supervised classification technique, using multi-temporal remote sensing imagery from 1987 to 2016 to analyse land cover distribution. Furthermore, land cover dynamics were combined with carefully selected climatic and anthropogenic data, which were then subjected to canonical correspondece analysis to identify the primary drivers of rangeland degradation. The results reveal a sustained change in land cover dynamics, with a no table 48.65 % reduction in the rangeland class. Simultaneously, there has been a continuous expansion in sand dunes, rangeland degradation, and agriculture classes. It is worth noting that canonical correspondence analysis reveals stronger associations between rangeland degradation and anthropogenic factors than climatic factors. Finally, the study offers crucial insights into rangeland degradation in southern Hodna, aiding policymakers and land managers in developing sustainable development strategies for the region.</p>
</abstract>

The Algerian steppes frequently experience droughts and significant anthropogenic activities than harm its natural resources, endangering the fragile arid ecosystem’s balance. Hence, an analysis of steppe degradation can be instrumental in initiating remedial measures in the region. This study aims to assess the level of rangeland degradation in the southern Hodna region, a crucial component of the steppe landscape, and analyse the factors driving this degradation. The methodology employed a supervised classification technique, using multi-temporal remote sensing imagery from 1987 to 2016 to analyse land cover distribution. Furthermore, land cover dynamics were combined with carefully selected climatic and anthropogenic data, which were then subjected to canonical correspondece analysis to identify the primary drivers of rangeland degradation. The results reveal a sustained change in land cover dynamics, with a no table 48.65 % reduction in the rangeland class. Simultaneously, there has been a continuous expansion in sand dunes, rangeland degradation, and agriculture classes. It is worth noting that canonical correspondence analysis reveals stronger associations between rangeland degradation and anthropogenic factors than climatic factors. Finally, the study offers crucial insights into rangeland degradation in southern Hodna, aiding policymakers and land managers in developing sustainable development strategies for the region.

Arid Rangeland Degradation and Its Driving Forces in Southern Hodna, Algeria

Laboratory for Improvement of Agricultural Productions and Protection of Ecosystems in Arid Zones (LAPAPEZA)

Institute of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Batna 1 University

Journal of Landscape Ecology

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Arid Rangeland Degradation and Its Driving Forces in Southern Hodna, Algeria"}

The Algerian steppes frequently experience droughts and significant anthropogenic activities than harm its natural resources, endangering the fragile arid...

Arid Rangeland Degradation and Its Driving Forces in Southern Hodna, Algeria

Published Online: Oct 06, 2023

Page range: 114 - 128

Received: Jun 18, 2023

Accepted: Sep 19, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jlecol-2023-0013

Keywords
Rangeland degradation, Driving forces, Landsat images, Canonica correspondence analysis, Hodna, Algeria

© 2023 Razika Sahnouni et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Arid Rangeland Degradation and Its Driving Forces in Southern Hodna, Algeria

Published Online: Oct 06, 2023

Page range: 114 - 128

Received: Jun 18, 2023

Accepted: Sep 19, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jlecol-2023-0013

KeywordsRangeland degradation, Driving forces, Landsat images, Canonica correspondence analysis, Hodna, Algeria

© 2023 Razika Sahnouni et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
Rangeland degradation, Driving forces, Landsat images, Canonica correspondence analysis, Hodna, Algeria