Fire-Induced Changes in Daily Butterfly Assemblages in Mediterranean Forests: Insights from the Edough Massif, Algeria

Nariman Laref; Mehdi Boukheroufa; Rym Sakraoui; Feriel  Sakraoui; Walid Dadci; Rached  Hadiby; Oualid Sayah; Kaouther Bounnour

doi:10.30550/j.azl/2228

Autores

Nariman Laref Soil and Sustainable Development Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Badji Mokhtar Annaba University, BP 12, 23 200 Annaba, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1580-0997
Mehdi Boukheroufa cobiology for Marine Environments and Coastal Areas Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8815-0112
Rym Sakraoui Ecobiology for Marine Environments and Coastal Areas Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2328-0562
Feriel Sakraoui Ecobiology for Marine Environments and Coastal Areas Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9159-8025
Walid Dadci Ecobiology for Marine Environments and Coastal Areas Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9663-5587
Rached Hadiby Ecobiology for Marine Environments and Coastal Areas Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4238-5722
Oualid Sayah Ecobiology for Marine Environments and Coastal Areas Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria
Kaouther Bounnour Ecobiology for Marine Environments and Coastal Areas Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30550/j.azl/2228

Palavras-chave:

Rhopalocera, wildfire, Mediterranean forest, community structure, ecological resilience

Resumo

Forest fires significantly alter the biodiversity of Mediterranean ecosystems, particularly butterfly communities, which are sensitive bioindicators of environmental changes. This study compares the diversity and structure of diurnal butterflies in two cork oak forests of the Edough Massif (Algeria): a natural forest and a post-fire forest, based on surveys conducted from March to July 2023.

Butterfly sampling was carried out using two complementary methods: a modified linear transect approach based on the British Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (BMS) and the Kilometric Abundance Index (KAI). Species abundances were recorded along predefined transects under standardized conditions.

The results show a significant decline in species diversity after the fire, with only 11 species recorded in the burned habitat compared to 31 in the natural forest. Abundance analysis reveals that some sensitive species disappear or become rare, while others, more fire-resistant, benefit from the newly created ecological conditions. The Bray-Curtis index highlights a moderate but notable transformation of butterfly communities.

These findings confirm that fire acts as an ecological filter, structuring populations according to their tolerance to disturbances. The study emphasizes the need for adapted management and restoration strategies to mitigate the effects of wildfires and promote the resilience of Mediterranean ecosystems.

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