Holocene history of peatland communities of central Rif (Northern Morocco)

The Maghreb’s Mediterranean coastal edge is home to many peatlands with boreal floristic affinities and high conservation value. This work aims at investigating the Holocene developmental history of these wetlands in Northern Morocco, based on pollen record, loss-on-ignition radiocarbon dating. First, comparison between modern spectra present-day hydrophytic vegetation makes it possible identify local signal. Second, while have existed Rif for least 13,000 years, their initiation mostly by paludification extends throughout Holocene. Their plant composition remains relatively unchanged millennia, but swamp undergrowth could locally experience changes taxa dominance. Mid- late-Holocene sedimentation appear result from human-induced regional decline cedar. major experienced occurred recently, due clearing, burning overgrazing. Effective policies should be urgently implemented order save last relict Morocco.