Journal of Natural Environment

Evaluation of the relationship between, Tree diversity indexes and topographical factors in Hyrcanian forests

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/jne.2023.363163.2585

Abstract

Biodiversity analysis in northern forests of Iran is very important due to its importance as one of the most valuable forest ecosystems in the country. In this study, the indexes of Margaleph and Menhink, Simson, Shannon Wiener and Pilo, Hip in two forest areas of 10 Chafrood and 7 Nav Asalem of Gilan province were used. 31 and 30 0.1 hectare plots in a 150 * 200 m survey network in 10 Chafroud and 7 nav forests, respectively, were permanently taken and measured and the indices mentioned in each sample plots were estimated. One-way ANOVA and Duncan analyzes were used to compare the two regions in terms of biodiversity indices. Then, altitude, slope and slope direction factors were determined in two regions and their effects on biodiversity indices were evaluated by correlation coefficients and analysis of variance. The results showed that the diversity indices of Simpson, Shannon Wiener, Pilo and Hip homogeneity indices were significantly different at 95% probability level. Margaluff and Mannhink richness did not show significant differences between the two regions and the 10 Chafrood region, was higher than all 7 Nav region, in all indices. The altitude factor had a significant negative correlation with almost all biodiversity indices. Slope and geographic direction were only significantly correlated with some indices. The beech species was the dominant species in both regions, so that the percentage of abundance of the beech species compared to the total species was 83 percent in the area of 7 Nava Asalem, and this ratio was 37 percent of the total species in the area of Chafrood.

Keywords

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Journal of Natural Environment
Volume 77, Ecology and Biodiversity Management
July 2024
Pages 115-125