Anthropogenic Activities and Climate Variability Impacts on Juniperus thurifera Forest of El Houanet, Morocco

The current case analysis aims to explore the spatio-temporal evolution of thuriferous juniper (Juniperus thurifera L.) forest formations on the El Houanet plateau within the Biological and Ecological Interest Site (BEIS) of Boutferda in Morocco, focusing on their vulnerability to extinction due to various complex reasons. Our research focused on the period from 1986 to 2022, conducting a meticulous assessment of the spatial changes observed over this chronology. To achieve these objectives, we adopted a diachronic approach, combined with a methodology supported by field examinations. We derived data, including climatic analysis and vegetation indices (NDVI and VCI), from LANDSAT 5 and 8 satellite imagery, enabling a detailed synthesis of the forest's spatiotemporal changes. This analysis was further deepened by considering a range of parameters, including components of the physical environment, climatic variables, as well as anthropogenic influences, with the aim of refining our understanding of the dynamics governing these populations. Findings reveal significant impacts on various strata within this forest, reflecting both regressive and progressive changes that reshaped the landscape's composition and structure.