COUNTRY Algeria

NAME Tassili N'Ajjer National Park

IUCN MANAGEMENT CATEGORY

II (National Park)

Biosphere Reserve

Natural/Cultural World Heritage Site - Natural Criteria ii, iii/Cultural Criteria i, iii

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL PROVINCE 2.18.07 (Sahara)

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION South-eastern part of the Algerian Sahara near the frontiers with Niger and Libya (in the wilaya of Illizi, the da'ira of In-Amenas and the da'ira of Djanet). Tassili is situated between Illezi to the north and Djanet to the south. The park and massif are shaped roughly like a triangle, whose longest side measures 700km from Amguid to the frontier with Niger. The national park is 60km in length from Djanet to the Libyan frontier. The boundary runs from beyond the high ridge overlooking the Ergs of Admer and Tihodaine, then runs to the south and to the east along the frontiers with Niger and Libya. The east-west boundary runs from Tarat to Amguid via Illizi. 23°00'N-26°50'N, 5°20'E-12°00'E

DATE AND HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT One portion of the site, the Meddah area, was declared a national park by Ministry of Culture Decree No. 72-168 on 27 July 1972 and further areas were designated as an historic monument in December 1979. In 1986, the site was further covered under Governmental nature conservation and national park legislation of Decree No. 83-458. Tassili N'Ajjer was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1982. The park was extended from its 1972 area of 300,000ha with the international recognition of Tassili Plateau as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1986.

AREA 8,000,000ha

LAND TENURE State property (rights of pasture land-use have been given to the nomadic tribes of the region). Local tribes are the main landowners in the oases and the centres of cultivation.

ALTITUDE 1,150m to 2,158m. The altitude of the plateau varies from about 1,500m in the north and north-west to 1,800m in the centre and south.

PHYSICAL FEATURES The area covers the Tassili Plateau which runs a distance of 700km from north-west to south-east, an average of 100km in width. Tassili is a mountainous region in the centre of the Sahara, to the east of the Hoggar massif. The Tassili, or plateau, forms part of the Ordovician and Devonian sandstone layer which surrounds the Precambrian crystallinemassif which constitutes the Hoggar. It comprises a series of plateaux where all the cliffs lie in a west-north-west/east-south-east direction: the inner and the outer Tassili are separated by the Intra-Tassilian Trench of clay-sandstones (Fabre, 1978). The plateau owes its morphological structure and its unique network of steep-sided valleys to a succession of wet and dry periods in palaeoclimatic wet periods. At the end of the Upper Pleistocene period, there were huge lakes in the region, in what are today the great Ergs. The lakes were fed by rivers flowing down from the Tassili. For the last 10,000 years, the whole area has become steadily drier, although this process was alleviated to some extent by a slightly more humid period from 4,000 to 2,000BC. In some areas flat plateaux have been shaped by fluvial action, their surfaces furrowed by narrow, deep gorges and dry river beds. Elsewhere wind erosion and the arid climate have strewn the plateaux with rock formations resembling ruins, known as "stone forests" (Dubief, 1959, 1963; Fabre, 1978). In the south-south-east part of the park, the plateau rises up in an escarpment some 600m above the shifting sand dunes (ergs). Relatively recent volcanic deposits cover the sandstones and form the Adrar massif of 2,158m. Water is rarely present in this region, remaining in deep shaded rocky chasms. The only perennial river in the central Sahara is at Iherir. In the fresh-water areas of the Iherir valley aquatic mosses secrete travertine which forms natural dams and lakes cascading from one level to another (Kerzabi, 1986).

CLIMATE The plateau is hyper-arid, but there are sub-arid microclimates suitable for the survival of relict Mediterranean fauna and flora. Mean annual rainfall is 30mm and mean annual temperature is 20.3°C at an altitude of 1,100m. The plateau tends to be very exposed and arid although there are areas of locally high humidity (Verschuren, 1984).

VEGETATION Humid microclimates have resulted in a number of deep valleys remaining green. The Saharan flora has elements of Mediterranean, Sudano-Deccan and Saharo-Sindien species (Leredde, 1957; Ozenda, 1958). The mountains (Hoggar and Tassili) support a complex relict flora with a combination of all three elements. The most notable tree species are cypress "tarout" Cupressus dupreziana (E), of which there are about 240 specimen left in the world, wild olive Olea lapperinei and myrtle Myrtus nivelii (Barry et al., 1970). There are about 100 cypress specimens left in the "Valley of the Cypresses" between Tamrit and Jabbaren, and like the other 100 specimens, they grow in the higher parts of the Tassili (Ministry of Information and Culture, pers. comm., 1995). Olive Olea laperrini and myrtles Myrtus nivellei grow at the bottom of wadis or beside gueltas (permanent or temporary waterholes which exist after rainfall). Other river-bed species include Trianthema pentandra, Silene kilianii, Lupinus pilosus and Convolvulus fatmensis (Ozenda, 1958; Zeraia, 1983). The Iherir valley, being comparatively humid, also contains riverine species such as Typha spp., Juncus spp., Phragmites spp., Adiantum and aquatic vegetation such as Ekebergia spp., Myriophyllum spp. and Potamogeton spp. (Ozenda, 1958; Kerzabi, 1986). In the unpolluted fresh water of the Iherir valley, aquatic mosses give rise to travertine dams, waterfalls and pools (Kerzabi, 1986). There are also many Sudanese flora elements such as the genera Ferula, Salvadora and Callotropis. Rocky and sand species include Mesembryanthemum gaussenii (E) and Acacia scorpioides (Leredde, 1957; Ozenda, 1958; Quezel, 1962; Zeraia, 1983). Other endemic Saharan species found on the massif include Potamogeton hoggariensis (E), Silene hoggariensis, Lupinus tassilicus and Senecio hoggariensis (Ozenda, 1977).

The Tassili is important for its 28 national plant rarities. Amongst these species are Ficus ingens, Boerhaavia viscosa, Trianthema pentandra, Spergularia fontenellei, Bergia suffruticosa, Hypericum psilophytum, Olea lapperrina, Convolvulus fatmensis, Anticharis glandulosa and Utricularia exoleta (see lists in Zeraia, 1983; Dobr, 1988). The most threatened plants include Cupressus dupreziana (E) and Phagnalon garamantum (I) (Mathez et al., 1985).

FAUNA The fauna contains elements originating from both the Mediterranean and the Saharan Palaearctic realm. Species relict of a more humid climate include fish, shrimp and once even a dwarf Saharan crocodile Crocodylus niloticus (Kerzabi, 1986). There are large numbers of spiders, insects and reptiles. The distribution of the crocodile was many thousands of kilometres from the next nearest population in Egypt. The last crocodiles were killed on the Imirhou wadi in the 1940s and on the Iherir in the mid-19th century (Kerzabi, 1986). Fish are found in the permanent river in the region of Iherir. There are four fish species of the Tilapia family as well as two species of amphibians (LeBerre, 1986, cited in Kerzabi, 1986). Dragonflies in the area include Orthetrum ransonneti and O. sabina (Aguilar et al., 1986). The 23 or so larger mammal species are more typical of arid climates and include Barbary sheep Ammotragus lervia (I) (once thought extinct in the area), caracal Felis caracal, cheetah Acinonyx jubatus (V) and dorcas gazelle Gazella dorcas (V) (MNN, 1983; de Smet, 1989). Locally threatened species include gundi Ctenodactylus vali and large-toothed rock dassy or hyrax Procavia capensis (P. syriaca) (de Smet, 1984). Roan antilope Hippotragus equinus, addax Addax nasomaculatus (E) and scimitar oryx Oryx dammah (E) have disappeared from the region (MNN, 1983; de Smet, 1984). In February 1987, two dead specimen of the threatened scimitar-horned oryx Oryx dammah (E) were found by the director of the park on a road south of the park boundary (de Smet, pers. comm., 1987). Other observations of this species have been made near In-Amenas (MNN, 1983).

The entire region is important for resting migratory Palaearctic birds. Species recorded in the area include golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos, long-legged buzzard Buteo rufinus, bittern Botaurus stellaris, little bittern Ixobrychus minutus, night heron Nycticorax nycticorax, squacco heron Ardeola ralloides, purple heron A. purpurea, white stork Ciconia ciconia, glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellis, short-toed eagle Circaetus gallicus, lesser kestrel Falco naumanni, hobby F. subbuteo, quail Coturnix coturnix, spotted crake Porzana porzana, corncrake Crex crex and stone curlew Burhinus oedicnemus (Ledant et al., 1985). Breeding bird species include Palaearctic marsh birds, such as coot Fulica atra and moorhen Gallinula chloropus, as well as a relict sub-species of Barbary partridge Alectoris barbara duprezii (Etchécopar et Hüé, 1964; Ledant et Jacob, 1982; de Smet, in litt., 1987; de Smet, 1989).

CULTURAL HERITAGE The entire site is of international importance for a series of ancient cave paintings. The most noteworthy pre-historic remains include: rock paintings in the national park and the entire plateau, rock engravings of large fauna (hippopotamus, buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros and giraffe) and of man in the wadi Djerat canyon, rock engravings of Sahara fauna on the Plateau of Dider, stone monuments at Fadnoun, rich archaeological remains in the southern zone, numerous neolithic remains such as sculpture, pottery, grinding implements and enclosure walls as well as material from the lower and middle Paleolithic periods (Anon., 1986). A chronological sequence in cave paintings exists. These include those of the Equidian period presenting stylised figures and scenes of moufflon hunting and the Cameline period with aschematic style incorporating inscriptions in Tifinagh characters, which is the same alphabet as still used by the Tuareg today. Radio-carbon dating has indicated the archaeological neolithic remains date from the period 6,000 to 2,000BC (Lhote, 1973; Anon, 1986). More recent data suggests the first neolithic settlements dates to 7,500BC (G. Aumassip, pers. comm., 1987).

LOCAL HUMAN POPULATION The total population of the plateau was approximately 1,000-3,000 in 1986 (Anon, 1986; Kerzabi, 1986). The area is very sparsely inhabited by sedentary and nomadic Tuaregs. The cultivated areas are centred around some rivers or the valleys of certain wadis. The Da'ira people of In-Amenas and Djanet together cover most of the plateau and have around 10,000 inhabitants (Djanet town with a population of 5,000). Stock raising and agriculture are confined to the centres, while grazing is confined generally to the wadi floor. Tourism is becoming an important source of revenue for the local population (Anon., 1986).

VISITORS AND VISITOR FACILITIES The number of tourists is increasing continually and an international airport has been constructed at nearby Djanel to cater for this growth industry. Crossing the massif is generally only practicable for four-wheel drive vehicles, and requires permission from the park tourism office (OPNT), which controls and supervises tourists, and is located in Djanet (Ministry of Information and Culture, pers. comm., 1995).

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND FACILITIES An experimental centre has been set up at the archaeological site of Timenzouzine (Tassili of Djanet) where a meteorological station operated from 1979 to 1986 (Ministry of Information and Culture, pers. comm., 1995). In January 1987, Dr B. Bosquet, an UNESCO consultant, worked with the national authorities to examine the needs for conservation management in the Tassili National Park and to subsequently produce draft recommendations (MAB Algeria, 1987). Since 1987 a project has been underway to sustain and re-introduce Tarout cypress (Cupressus dupreziana) to the Tassili plateau with WWF/IUCN assistance (Project No II 3781, 1987). Tarout cypresses on the plateau have already been catalogued and numbered (Kerzabi, 1986; Dobr, 1988). It is planned to establish a station within the reserve which will act as a base for studies on the flora and fauna. At present, most facilities are located in the surrounding villages. Ongoing studies include dendrochronology of Duprey cypress, natural resource inventories and conservation of the rock-art (Anon., 1986).

CONSERVATION VALUE The site was first established as a national park in order to protect its internationally important cultural heritage. It was subsequently realised that the area was also internationally important for its geology, fauna and flora. Some of the important elements of the park include the geological formations which are of outstanding scenic interest (precambrian crystalline formation and eroded sandstones). The Tassili is important for wildlife and includes 28 national plant rarities and one internationally threatened plant species and over five endangered mammal species (see lists in Zeraia, 1983; Ledant et Jacob, 1982; MNN, 1983; Mathez et al., 1985; de Smet, pers. comm., 1987). The entire region is important for resting migratory Palaearctic birds. Cupressus dupreziana is one of 12 critically endangered plants selected by IUCN's Species Survival Commission to highlight the serious threats to species around the world (Dobr, 1988).

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT Management plans exist for one area of the Tassili, near Djanet, where wardens and guides manage visitor movements. Other wardens have been recruited in nearby areas of the park (Ministry of Information and Culture, pers. comm., 1995). Studies have been undertaken to produce a combined management plan for the natural and cultural aspects of the national park (MAB Algeria, 1987).

MANAGEMENT CONSTRAINTS The impact of tourism poses a problem, particularly litter and the threat to resources such as archaeological artifacts, which are attractive to collectors. Due to the changing climatic conditions, some species are incapable of reproducing in their natural surroundings and will eventually become extinct unless conservation measures succeed. Pollution is affecting the moss-formed travertine in the Guelta of Azarif (Kerzabi, 1986).

STAFF 83 staff members including the director and 82 wardens and guides (Ministry of Information and Culture, pers. comm., 1995). OPNT has a director and research officer as well as wardens stationed at Djanet, Illizi, Zawatallaz and Iherir. The wardens act as guides and ensure that measures taken to protect archaeological sites and the fauna and flora are respected.

BUDGET The OPNT is financially independent. Its budget allocation covers staff salaries, maintenance of a small fleet of vehicles. Resources earmarked for conservation purposes are extremely limited and are devoted to documentation, purchase of essential equipment and the living expenses of experts on projects (Ministry of Information and Culture, pers. comm., 1995).

LOCAL ADDRESSES

Office du Parc national du Tassili (OPNT), BP 11 Djanet, 33100 Algeria (Tel: 09/475282).

Direction Du Patrimoine Culturel, Ministere De La Culture, Les Anasser-Kouba, Alger

REFERENCES

Anon. (1986). Parc national du Tassili Biosphere Reserve. Biosphere Reserve nomination form. Unpublished. Algerian National Committee for MAB.

DATE February 1988, reviewed October 1990, updated October 1995