Flora and Fauna
Vegetation varies greatly depending on altitude and landscape (in particular wind protection). It is often relict of mediterranean vegetation.
In gueltas, vegetation is very diverse and hosts many animals. Trees may be found at lower elevations, while higher mostly host bushes. It is however possible to find olive trees (the olive tree on the right hand picture was found at 2300 m). Endemic and rare species includes Saharan Cypress (“tarout”) (Cupressus dupreziana), wild olive (Olea lapperrini) and Saharan Myrtle (Myrtus nivellei), all of which are relict Saharan-Mediterranean species. Olive and myrtle trees grow at the bottom of wadis, intermittent stream valleys, or beside gueltas, permanent or temporary waterholes.
Other species with a preference for moist habitats are Trianthema pentandra, Lupinus pilosus, and Convolvulus fatmensis. Silene kiliani, Acacia laeta, A. scorpiodes, and Cordia rochii grow in wadis. Other representatives of the 28 national Algerian plant rarities found on Tassili n'Ajjer include Ficus ingens and Anticharis glandulosa.
Read more about this topic: West Saharan Montane Xeric Woodlands
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