TOPOGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION AND VEGETATION DISTRIBUTION IN THE ACHACH FOREST: IMPLICATIONS FOR ECOLOGICAL ZONING AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This study presents a topographic and ecological characterization of the ACHACH Forest, focusing on elevation, slope, and aspect, and their influence on vegetation distribution. The forest exhibits an altitudinal range between 200 m and 800 m, corresponding to the thermo-Mediterranean bioclimatic zone. Analysis of slope classes reveals that nearly 80% of the terrain has low to moderate inclines (<20%), indicative of a relatively gentle landscape. Aspect distribution shows a predominance of north-facing slopes (22%), followed by northwest (15%) and west (13%), affecting microclimate and vegetation types. The spatial distribution of dominant species, including Tetraclinis articulata (Thuya), Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine), Quercus rotundifolia (Holm oak), Quercus suber (Cork oak), and Eucalyptus spp., is strongly correlated with topographic variables. This research provides insights into local ecological dynamics and lays the foundation for ecological zoning and sustainable forest management.