The reduction in the area of the forest has been attributed to urbanization, rapid urban development, and the formation of slums, with an estimated 40% of the initial area having been removed.

[3] The forest is situated in close proximity to a number of mosques, including:[4][5] The northeastern wing of the forest is situated in close proximity to the Omar Hamadi football stadium, which was inaugurated in 1924 and serves as the home ground for Mouloudia Algiers.

[8] To the north, the stadium is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea.

[9] One of the notable landmarks in the area is the Notre-Dame d'Afrique, situated on a promontory with a view of the sea.

[10] St. Eugene Cemetery is a Christian and Jewish burial ground situated on the northern periphery of the forest, encompassing an area of 14.5 hectares (36 acres) and extending to the Notre-Dame d'Afrique, which is overseen by a staff of twenty.