As part of the project "Conserving wild plants and habitats for people in the south and east Mediterranean" (IPAMed) a field mission was carried out in Chélia Mountain (Algeria) from May 9-12, 2016. A team of botanists Ms. Yahi N. (USTHB Bab Ezzouar), Ms. S. Benhouhou (ENSA , El Harrach), Mr. Y. Beghami (Univ . Batna), Mr. K. Rebbas (Univ.M'sila), technicians and managers from Batna and Khenchela have intensively surveyed the plant species in the area. The south side of the mountain was widely surveyed despite the inaccessibility of some sites. The mission ended on May 12th at Ras Kulthum (2.328m).

Data collection was focused on two restricted range endemic species Ammoides atlantica and Centaurea tougourensis. Herbarium vouchers were collected and their identity was confirmed by an expert botanist, Dr. Errol VELA. This field mission has helped expand the floristic knowledge of the IPA.

In previous field missions * 2 SRE species (Romulea vaillantii and Juniperus thurifera) and 2 TPP species (Cedrus atlantica and Quercus faginea subsp. faginea) have been observed and recorded.

Another survey campaign has been conducted at the beginning of the summer (July) to record late flowering plant species like: Crepis faureliana and Galium numidicum (SRE), Campanula jurjurensis and Jacobaea gallerandiana (TPP).

Ms. Kabouya, I. (Direction Générale des Forêts), Mr. Gadiri, N. (Institut national de recherche forestière), Mr. Briki, A. (CF Batna) and Mr. Abida, O. (CC Arris) have had a working session with the local farmer Mr. Rouibi, A. in the presence of President of the Association LAHZAMET to discuss future conservation actions to implement in this IPA.

For further information: Dra. Nassima Yahi; and Mrs. Kabouya-Loucif Ilham

Photo: Rebbas Khellaf