Laref N, Rezzag-Beddida R, Boukheroufa M, Sakraoui R, Henada RLI, Hadiby R, Sakraoui F. 2021. Diversity and status of day butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) in different plant associations of the Edough Forest Massif (Northeastern Algeria). Biodiversitas 23: 954-961. The current study seeks to evaluate the biodiversity and the structure of the Lepidoptera, Rhopalocera stand in the Edough mountain range, Northeastern Algeria. The main objective is to analyse specific and dynamic fluctuations depending on the forest species and assess their functional role. The resulting work was conducted during the 2021 spring season at the Ain Bocal Natural Site, characterized by a succession of four forest species in a sampling corridor approximately 2 km long. The sampling strategy was based on the linear transect method derived from the British BMS Butterflies Monitoring Scheme method, where 390 individuals were counted to calculate and analyse the stand structure parameters. We were also able to carry out the taxonomic identification of 13 species belonging to four families, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae and Papilionidae. Overall, the results revealed that the Mixed Algerian Oak Forest (Zean Oak Forest) is the richest in species, followed by Cork Oak Forest, Algerian Oak Forest and Maritime Pine Forest. The forest of the Edough, by its composition in habitats and ecological niches, allows the installation of the lepidopterological biodiversity.

Wild boars use a wide range of habitats. Their invasive nature is gaining attention due to the complexity of its impact. The goal of this research is to analyze the impact of the wild boar on the chemical properties of soils in a natural and a post-fire forest in the Edough Forest Massif in Algeria. This study compares the impact of wild boar rooting on soil parameters to determine the functional role of the wild boar. The research was conducted during the winter of 2022. The study sites included a natural forest and a post-fire area. Rooting tracks were geolocated and soil samples were collected. The results show significant differences between rooted and control patches in the chemical parameters measured in the two environments. However, in the natural environment, significant differences were only noted for the calcium content and electrical conductivity. But in the post-fire environment, strong significant differences were observed for all measured parameters, suggesting that wild boars do not exert a noticeable soil homogenization effect on the soil properties. This research highlights the importance of understanding and managing the impact of wild boars in natural and post-fire forests on soil formation processes, the diversity of soil properties, and their magnitude.

Heavy metal pollution has complex impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, trophic relationships, species health, and the quality of natural resources. This study aims to validate a non-invasive method for detecting heavy metals (Cd, As, Zn, Cu, Cr) in micromammalian prey, which constitute the primary diet of the common genet (Genetta genetta), a mesocarnivore sensitive to habitat degradation. By focusing on prey remains (hair and bones) rather than entire fecal samples, this approach leverages the genet’s selective feeding habits to assess the bioaccumulation of contaminants in its preferred prey. Conducted in the Edough forest massif during the winter of 2021, the study analyzed 39 fecal samples, collected from the following two contrasting environments: a natural habitat and an area impacted by an open landfill. Results revealed significant levels of heavy metals, with higher concentrations in bones compared to hair, and increased accumulation in prey from the anthropized environment. Monitoring these contaminants in selective predators, such as the genet, offers a promising approach to better understanding environmental contamination and implementing measures to protect ecosystems and the species that depend on them.