Etude de la répartition spatiale des micromammifères d’une zone pastorale en milieu saharien (Guelmime, Maroc)

Abstract

In the saharian area of Guelmime (Morocco), 7 trap sampling systems were set side by side parallel of the Oued Sayad at a distance of 20 to 1280 m from it. The global trapping system allowed to catch 14 Meriones shawi, 16 M. libycus, 29 Psammomys obesus, 4 Gerbillus nanus, 3 Eliomys occidentalis and 1 Elephantulus rozeti. The highest abundance and diversity of micromammals was found in an area located at 40-80 m far from the Oued and characterized by a low salted soil surrounded by a vigorous Chenopodiacea association punctuated with clumps of Tamarix gallica. The number of trapped animals decreased with the progressive vanishing of T. gallica, the decline in the size and volume of Chenopodiacea clumps and the increasing salt content of the soil. It was nul when a Plombaginacea (Limoniastrum ifiniensis), as well fitted plant for salted soil, took the place of Chenopodiacea. Relationships between the morphological abundance of mammals and the vegetation (antipredator protection, Oued flood protection, trophic resources) are discussed.