Impacts of climate change on the dysfunction of Mediterranean wetlands: Case of Aguelmam Afennourir - Ramsar Site - the Middle Atlas – Morocco.

Abstract

Abstract The water is a limiting factor for wetlands, especially for those with shallow deep. They are more vulnerable to precipitation disturbance. However, most of these wetlands are suffering from repetitive natural droughts. Example Aguelmam Afennourir wetland classified Ramsar site since 1980. After calculating the Normal Difference Water Index (NDWI), it has undergone severe and repeatedly drying and we have noticed four total dry-outs between 1981 and 2016. It is completely dried in July 1995, July 2000, June 2008, and in November 2016. While its largest extension, 100 % (122 ha) occurred in May 2009, the one before analyzing the historic precipitation for 1981 to 2016 and open water area evolution in the site we have brought that the drying of Aguelmam is closely linked to the irregularity of precipitation. Their drying up causes an ecological disequilibrium and has negative impacts on biodiversity since it has lost water which constitutes the defense of its habitats and biodiversity. Meanwhile, the fauna must leave the site and live the migration risks of searching the living habitat. The analysis of the hydrographic network of the sub-basin in the site reveals the possibility of diverting neighbouring streams toward the Afennourir wetland for heightening its water volume. As a preventive measure to protect the biodiversity of the site and to reduce the anthropogenic action, we propose strengthening the dyke with local materials, to increase the volume and the level of water in the wetland.