Niches and different Ecological habitats in the area along the Al Marj-Al Baida motorway, Libya

Abstract

Al Marj-Al Baida motorway is a typical mountainous ecosystem area, in East Libya. The road has shortened the distance between al-Bayḍā and Al-Marj to about 100 km. The present study aims to investigate the population structure, in terms of size distribution, cover and density in their favourable habitats. 30 stands were sampled to analysis the vegetation of this area. 48 plant species were recorded (44 genera and 24 families). Phanerophytes constituted 31%, chamaephytes (25%) and therophytes (19%). Phytogeographical analysis of species in the study area, Mediterranean (ME) elements attained the highest species number among the monoregional elements. The properties of soil samples were determined for each stand. These habitats are dominated by the following species: Arbutus pavarii, Cupressus sempervirens, Juniperus phoenicea, Olea europaea, Pistacia lentiscus, Pinu halepensis and Ceratonia siliqua.