Director's word

  Welcome! Algeria has a diversified network some of wich are of international importance: Biosphere Reserves, Nature Reserves. These vulnerable habitats are among the most productive on planet, but are subjected to a strong anthropological pressure. Their preservation requires a systematic monitoring and suitable management tools. In a context of global changes, The Laboratoire de recherché des zones humides , is made up of four multidisciplinary teams, intent on setting up a network of biomonitoring the ecological integrity of wetlands, to train future managers and researchers, to carry out quality meeting the needs of the country and to propose management tools which combines conservation and sustainable development.

The members of the LCZH contributed, during the past years, to the inventory of the Algerian natural resources by the flora and fauna ( phytoplankton, macrophytes, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and vertebrates) and help their classification as protected zones. The inventory allowed the discovery of new species Lestes nimidicus Samraoui, Weekers and Dumont on 2003 or Pleurodeles nebulosus for science or the country. Under the argis of the IUCN management tools ( Atlas and Red Books of Mediterranean and North African were developed. Researchers of the LCZH are members of numerous international organization ( IUCN, Herons Preservations, Flamingo Specialist Group).

In the face of multiple challenges of global changes (demographic pressure, climate change, emergent diseases), will attempt to master state of the art tools in ( data analysis, databases, GIS, modeling, genetic engineering) and to promote excellent training and quality researche.

A particular attention will be given to the development of a biomonitoring network of water quality, vulnerable ecosystems and emergent diseases ( Bird flu, West Nile, Chikungunia, etc.). The dynamics of numerous populations will also be the object of a particular attention.

Finally, the tradition, the diversity and the asset of the LCZH are the commitment of young researchers coming from numerous horizons ( diverse Algerian universities) but united by the excellence and the desire to serve Science and their country.

Four themes structure the scientific activity of the LCZH:

Biodiversity and ecology:  Surveys of species, habitats, and genetic variability within populations. An attention will be given to the identification of environmental factors influencing population dynamics.

Biosurveillance and water quality: the physico- chemical quality surface water and their biodiversity will be at the heart the concerns of the LCZH. A team will be loaded of the monitoring of the ecological integrity of the circles lotics and lentics.

Preservation and management: we shall on all aspects of the management and conservation (biology, legislation, socioeconomic aspects, raising awareness of species and habitats. The LCZH team will work together and withother teams to develop management plans and action plans intended for the management of protected areas and endangered species.

Ecology of waterbirds and other vertebrates: the various strategies of wintering and reproduction as well as their geographical variation constitute a central preoccupation. iet and behavior as well as any regulating factor linked to the dynamics of the populations of waterbirds and aquatic fauna will our interest. The dynamics of vectors of ectoparasites and pathogen will also retain our attention.

Pr. Riad nedjah