Biological diversity and tropical forests in Tunisia

This report assesses the status of the country"s plant and animal resources, as well as its primary ecosystems - coastal, island, wetland, mountain, steppe, desert, and oasis. Special emphasis is placed on evaluating the state of Tunisia"s tropical forests. Data on biodiversity issues in each of the country"s 21 gouvernorats are followed by an assessment of the national environmental protection system. Desertification is identified as the major threat to biodiversity in Tunisia. Due to logging, erosion, clearing for agriculture and grazing, and constant pressure for forest products, 18,000 ha are lost annually. Additional environmental problems include: (1) water pollution through discharged sewage, chemical wastewater, and garbage; (2) disruption of wetlands - many of them of international importance - due to dam projects; (3) dessication of oases due to water resource manipulation for irrigation and domestic use; (4) inappropriate cultivation leading to erosion and dune formation; and (5) loss of animal habitat and poaching, which have nearly extirpated the monk seal and endangered almost all large mammals. Numerous recommendations are made which address these issues.