UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Djurdjura
General information
This biosphere reserve is situated in the Djurdjura Mountains (800 to 2,300 meters above sea level) at the Mediterranean coast in north-east Algeria and is exposed to both Mediterranean and more continental climate in the south.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1997
Country
Algeria
Total population
79883
Area
Surface
18,568.00 ha
Total terresterial area
18,568.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 36.4623 - Longitude: 4.16295
Ecological Characteristics
Depending on exposition and elevation, habitats are Mediterranean evergreen, deciduous and coniferous forests as well as alpine meadows. Because of the big climatic and topographic differences, the area is very rich in species diversity hosting a number of endemic species. For instance, the M'Zaris Forest is the only habitat of the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena). The relict species black pine (Pinus nigra) has been studied for its natural regeneration potential.Mediterranean evergreen forests with oak (Quercus ilex, Q. suber); Mediterranean deciduous forests with Acer obtusatum, A. monspessulanum, A. campestre, Prunus avium etc.; Mediterranean coniferous forests with Cedrus atlantica, Pinus nigra, P. halepensis and Taxus baccata; mountainous grasslands characterized by Rumex acetosella, Scrophularia laevigata, Ononis aragonensis etc.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
The 6,000 inhabitants in area (1996) are primarily of Berber origin with closely-knit mountain communities having preserved traditional societal codes of conduct and ethics. The biosphere reserve seeks to show how a balanced and rational use of natural resources by agriculture, pasturalism, forestry and tourism can go in line with conservation. Socio-economic studies have been carried out on these topics with a view to assessing local people’s needs. Mass tourism is rejected in order to promote tourism reflecting the local cultural heritage, for example in its architectural style.
