Spatio-temporal variability of faunal and floral assemblages in Mediterranean temporary wetlands.

Six temporary wetlands in the region of Sejenane (Mogods, NW Tunisia) were studied in order to characterize the aquatic flora and fauna and to quantify their spatio-temporal variability. Samplings of aquatic fauna, phytosociological relevés, and measurements of the physicochemical parameters of water were taken during four different field visits carried out during the four seasons of the year (November 2009-July 2010). Despite the strong anthropic pressures on them, these temporary wetlands are home to rich and diversified biodiversity, including rare and endangered species.

High genetic diversity and distinctiveness of rear-edge climate relicts maintained by ancient tetraploidisation for Alnus glutinosa.

Populations located at the rear-edge of a species' distribution may have disproportionate ecological and evolutionary importance for biodiversity conservation in a changing global environment. Yet genetic studies of such populations remain rare. This study investigates the evolutionary history of North-African low latitude marginal populations of Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.

Conservation of Mediterranean wetlands: interest of historical approach.

The wetlands of North Africa are an endangered and invaluable ecological heritage. Some of these wetlands are now protected by various conservation statutes; which actual impact has not yet been reliably evaluated. This article aims to assess the conservation management (Nature Reserve and Ramsar site) of a protected Tunisian lake, Majen Chitane, by using palaeoecological, historical and modern data, and by comparing it with the unprotected lake Majen Choucha.

[Vegetation structures and conservation of Mediterranean temporary wetlands: Mogods region (northern Tunisia)].

Floristic surveys and phytoecological relevés were conducted on 36 temporary wetlands of Mogods region. Multivariate analyses (CA, AHC) performed on these data reveal the high specific and biocoenotic diversity of Mogods wetlands, which appear controlled by substrate nature and hydrology. Among the 128 hydrophytic species inventoried, 38 are presently in precarious status and 6 are presumed extinct.

Recent discovery of the small pillwort (Pilularia minuta Durieu, Marsileaceae) in Tunisia: hope for an endangered emblematic species of Mediterranean temporary pools?

This article presents a synthesis of all localities where Pilularia minuta, an endangered Pteridophyte endemic of acidic Mediterranean temporary pools, was observed since its discovery in 1835. It aims at analysing the implications of its recent discovery in Tunisia, based on the comparison between new and previously published floristic surveys. The obtained data confirm the heliophilous pioneer character of P.