Impact of Climate Change on Subterranean Wetland Biodiversity in Tafilalet South-Eastern Morocco

Abstract

Groundwater in Tafilalet supports diverse faunas (stygofauna) that include many obligate groundwater-dependent species (stygobites). Prospecting campaigns on underground fauna in Tafilalt region were collected in a database that was later used to develop distribution patterns for each species harvested. Tafilalet is characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, and very high evaporation. Those severe climate conditions influence water availability for vegetation growth and fauna stability. The present work aims to, assess stygobiont richness in subterranean environment of Tafilalet. Species data were organized in database form and geographic information system (GIS) was used to establish geographical patterns of species and test fauna and environment parameters relationship, to identify a network of stygofauna sites priority for conservation and defined areas with high taxonomic richness and high level of endemism. Risk assessment and decision-making framework for managing groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) development are required.