Effects of Reserve Management on Woody and Ground Flora Diversity (Case Study: Chamhesar Pear Forest Reserve)
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Abstract
Forest reserves are one of the most important approaches in ecosystem management in Iran. In order to determine the effects of reserve management on plants diversity (woody plants and ground flora) in three zones (core zone, buffer zone, and transmission zone of Chamhesar pear forest reserve), we mapped land form units. Then 18 main sampling units (20×50=1000 m2) distributed randomly were chosen to measure tree canopy covers and record species richness in three zones. There were three subsamples (2×2=4 m2) in each main sampling unit to record ground flora richness (54 subsamples in total). Dominance, richness, evenness and diversity indices were calculated and compared. The results showed that in a time period of six years, reserve management had no effects on woody plant diversity and solely lead to canopy cover improvement. Reserve management increased dominancy and species richness in one hand and on the other hand decreased evenness and diversity of ground flora.
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