A review analysis of the degradation of cork oak forests in North Atlantic, Morocco

Like Mediterranean forests, Morocco's forest formations are highly diverse and comprise many species. Among the noble species, the cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is important in the Moroccan forest landscape. However, anthropogenic and natural pressures have almost completely degraded cork oak ecosystems. This study was conducted on the Maamora cork oak forest in north-west Morocco. The methodology adopted was based on a bibliographic review, GIS cartographic and teledetection analysis of the forest area, in order to assess the state of degradation of the forest areas and their evolution and to investigate the causes about anthropic pressure and the climate change factor. Progressive degradation results from a combination of climatic and anthropogenic factors that continue to intensify. The lack of natural regeneration is one of the most worrying problems, requiring advanced reforestation and sustainable development.