An Investigation on Ecological Aspects of Crested and Intermediate Wheat Grasses in Semi-Steppe Vegetation of Iran

Crested and intermediate wheat grasses (Agropyron cristatum (L.)Gaertn., Thinopyrum intermedium (H.)Beauv.) are adapted to relatively dry conditions in Iran and have a significant role in providing good forage quality for domestic sheep and wild ungulates in summer rangelands. These grasses occur at altitudes of 1,200 to 1,800 m. A. cristatum is a bunch grass with diverse spikes and medium height (40 cm) and is common on open and exposed knolls, whereas T. intermedium, with height of 115 cm and with long rhizomes, is found in more moist niches in gully bottoms. The objectives of this study were to determine forage values, canopy coverage, production, local distribution, and phenological stages of these species in Golestan National Park, which is representative of the semi-steppe zone in Iran

Plant Species Diversity on Protected and Non-Protected Areas of Golestan National Park and Vicinity Areas

It is important to monitor the status of native rangeland vegetation in order to maintain existing grassland remnants which are valuable for wildlife. In the Steppe region, there has been concern that grazing of late-successional ecosystems may decrease plant species diversity on a local and regional scale and adversely affect rare, threatened, or endangered species. Native vegetation is the best indicator of the potential productivity of a specific location. Range-land herbage production is important for multiple land uses such as livestock production, wildlife food and cover, and protection against erosion. In eastern Oregon, variability in rangeland productivity is linked to the amount and timing of precipitation received over the winter and early summer (Sneva, 1982). Estimates of above-ground plant production have been reported for many sites in the protected and non-protected areas of northeastern of Iran as well as around the world. Plant species diversity in this study was viewed at the alpha level, that is, the number and relative abundance of species within a particular habitat type (Whittaker 1975). The objective of this study was to determine the productivity, species composition, and diversity of a steppe and semi-steppe rangeland in northeastern Iran

How Many Persian Gazelle (\u3cem\u3eGazella subgutturosa\u3c/em\u3e) Can Graze on Golestan National Park of Iran?

Golestan National Park, with an area of 98,000 hectares and diverse fauna and flora is one of the famous national parks in the Middle East. Carrying capacity was analysed based on available forage and dry matter demand of Persian gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) in spring and winter on steppe parts of Golestan National Park. The Persian gazelle is the most important ungulate species within the arid regions of Iran as well as other countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Western China (Farhadinia et al. 2009). This species currently categorized Vulnerable (VU) (IUCN Red List 2012). Although gazelle are almost extinct in most parts of Iran, significant population of gazelle live in steppe habitats of the park. In order to manage this species inside the park, and increase its numbers, it is important to determine the carrying capacity of gazelle habitats inside park

Effects of Livestock Grazing Intensity on Reproductive Changes in \u3cem\u3eFestuca ovina\u3c/em\u3e L.

Reproduction and re-generation strategies, whether by sexual or asexual means, are important attributes of grazed plants. The Gramineae family is the main element of rangelands, grasslands and grassland ecosystems by virtue of their seed production and distribution mechanisms, and their tolerance of environment stresses (cold, heat, drought). Festuca ovina is a highly palatable and productive plant that has been recommended for drilling and sowing in the steppe and semi-steppe rangelands of Iran. The aim of this study, which was located in the Ghorkhoud region in North-east Iran, was to investigate the effects of different grazing intensities on reproduction of this grass species