Journal of Natural Environment

Investigating birds' diversity and richness of Kohgiluyeh & Boyer Ahmad protected areas and the influence of area size and shape on diversity and richness

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, I.R.Iran

2 Department of Environment, Kohgiluyeh & Boyer Ahmad Province, I.R.Iran

Abstract

Investigating species diversity and richness is essential for defining conservation priorities. In addition, determining landscape parameters influencing species diversity and richness is important for selecting and designing parks and protected areas. Kohgiluyeh & Boyer Ahmad Province is a mountainous region, comprises hills, mounds, forests and plains. This vast province has high species diversity and six protected areas, including Dena, Khayyz and Sorkh, Eastern Dena, Khamyn, Daele and Solak, have been established to maintain this diversity. The present study aimed to compare species diversity and richness of the six protected areas and investigate the influence of area, size and shape on bird species richness and diversity. Overall, 52 bird species were recorded. The maximum values of species diversity and richness belonged to Dena Protected Area and the minimum values were obtained for Solak Protected Area. Linear regression analysis revealed the positive effect of area and the negative effect of shape on bird species richness and diversity. Due to the increasing habitat destructions which restricted the conservation of biodiversity to protected areas, it is necessary to prevent further reduction of perimeter to area ratio with an effort to increase area size. This might help to better manage and protect the biodiversity of Kohgiluyeh & Boyer Ahmad province.

Keywords

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Journal of Natural Environment
Volume 67, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
February 2014
Pages 343-354