Study of the wildlife acarology (Acari: Oribatida) in the palm groves of Biskra

This study, conducted in the region of Biskra, allows to define eight species of oribatid living in two palm groves of 7 and 10 years, seven species in palm groves of one and three years and finally, three species in a palm grove of five years. No species has been found in the witness palm grove. The prevailing species in all these palm groves is Scheloribates sp. with 450 individuals. This study shows that man’s influence can be beneficial to the natural environment. Indeed, installing an oasis helps both modify the Saharan landscape and create a specific biotope that allows ground-acari to thrive. This biotope is characterized by a multitude of ecological factors that are of a great importance for these acari, they are mainly the microclimate and the feeding support.   Key words: Oribatida, palm groves, Biskra, ecological factors, oasis ecosystem, nutritional substrate.