Biodiversity and Ecological Structure of Herpetofauna in the Northern Algerian Sahara

This study assesses the biodiversity and ecological structure of herpetofauna in the Northern Algerian Sahara across seven habitat types (bas plateau, erg, oued, palm grove, reg, sebkha, and urban environments) over a six-year period (2010–2016). Field surveys were conducted using transects, systematic microhabitat searches, and trapping techniques.

A total of 39 species of amphibians and reptiles were recorded, representing approximately 34% of the national herpetofauna. These species belong to three orders (Anura, Testudines, and Squamata), 16 families, and 26 genera. Reptiles were dominant with 35 species, while amphibians were represented by four species. Notably, Cyrtopodion scabrum was documented for the first time in Algeria and North Africa (excluding Egypt), suggesting a recent introduction potentially linked to agricultural trade.

Biogeographically, Saharan (41%) and Mediterranean (28.2%) elements were predominant. Nine species are legally protected at the national level, and ten species are Mediterranean endemics. According to the IUCN Red List, 37 species are classified as Least Concern, one as Data Deficient (Scincopus fasciatus), and one as Near Threatened (Uromastix acanthinurus).

Species richness and diversity varied among habitats. The palm grove showed the highest richness (32 species) and diversity (Shannon index H' = 3.7 bits), whereas urban and saline habitats displayed lower diversity values. Seasonal patterns indicated maximum species richness in summer (92.3% of total richness), while the highest Shannon diversity was recorded in spring (H' = 4.02 bits). Similarity analyses revealed strong affinities between bas plateaux and regs, and between oueds and palm groves.

Overall, habitat heterogeneity and seasonal variation strongly influence herpetofaunal biodiversity in the Northern Sahara. These findings contribute to understanding desert biodiversity patterns and support conservation planning in arid ecosystems.