A literature review of Algerian salt lakes: values, threats and implications

Chotts are salt lakes located in the arid regions of Northern Africa. These unique wetlands are recognized for their role in the migration and breeding of waterbirds and economic values generated from mineral extraction, agriculture and tourist activities. Despite their importance for flora and faun...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental earth sciences 2017-02, Vol.76 (3), p.1, Article 127
Main Authors: Demnati, Fatma, Samraoui, Boujéma, Allache, Farid, Sandoz, Alain, Ernoul, Lisa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural expansion
Agricultural land
Animal reproduction
Aquatic birds
Arid zones
Biodiversity
Biogeosciences
Conservation
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Environmental Science and Engineering
Flora
Geochemistry
Geology
Human influences
Hydrology/Water Resources
Lakes
Land use
Literature reviews
Original Article
Salt lakes
Terrestrial Pollution
Tourist activities
Wetlands
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Summary:Chotts are salt lakes located in the arid regions of Northern Africa. These unique wetlands are recognized for their role in the migration and breeding of waterbirds and economic values generated from mineral extraction, agriculture and tourist activities. Despite their importance for flora and fauna biodiversity, they continue to face important threats due to human activities. This article consolidates a literature review of Algerian chotts from global to local importance. An in-depth view demonstrates the changes in land use of two large chotts in the southeastern region of Algeria: Chotts Merouane and Melghir. Land use images highlight a net expansion of agricultural lands, a decrease in grazing area around the lakes and a decrease of salt lake surface area. The local focus highlights the threats and changes of Algerian and Northern African chotts and proposes some perspectives for the future.
ISSN:1866-6280
1866-6299
DOI:10.1007/s12665-017-6443-x