Evaluation level of tree diversity in the Hyrcanian forests using complex structural diversity index (Case study: beech-hornbeam type, Nav-e Asalem, Gilan)

Stand structure and species diversity are two useful parameters for complex assessment of forest biodiversity, and provide important information for management and decision making for appropriate silvicultural system. For this purpose, five one ha plots were selected randomly in homogeneous ecological units of beech-hornbeam type in Nav-e Asalem, Gilan province. In order to determine complex structural diversity index (SI) in the studied forest type, uniform angle, mingling and DBH dimensions difference indicators were calculated. Also in order to determine density of trees, the nearest neighbors distance index was used. According to the results, the average value of nearest neighbors distance index was calculated to 5.58 meter. Mean uniform angle index was 0.52, which indicates clumped distribution of trees. Mean mingling index (0.45) indicates moderate mixture of the studied mixed stand. The amount of DBH dimensions difference index was 0.47, indicates moderate difference between trees diameter at breast height. The complex structural diversity index which presents three dimensions of structure, including diversity of spatial pattern, species diversity, and diversity of DBH dimensions) was calculated to 0.475. This value confirms a high level of tree diversity. The results of this study provide key information for management and maintaining of tree diversity in the studied mixed beech-hornbeam stand. Also with monitoring and management of tree diversity level we can reduce the negative impact of natural and human factors

Analysis of Zagros forest structure using neighborhood-based indices (Case study: Ghalehgol forest, Khorramabad)

Analysis of forest structure is essential for enhanced understanding of forest ecology and management. In this study, the spatial structure of the existing species in Perk district of Ghaleh Gol site in Lorestan Province was explored. To this end, a 32-hectare region was 100% surveyed. To investigate the spatial structure, we used a set of indices including the Clark and Evans, uniform angles, Shannon-Wiener, mingling, Crown canopy and Crown canopy differentiation indices. The results showed the average values of 0.8 and 0.47 for Clark and Evans and uniform angles indices, respectively. This indicated random and cluster distribution patterns. In addition, Mean values of 0.25 and 0.06 were returned by Shannon - Weiner and mingling indices. Due to the dominant Oak coverage within the study area, Blend Low Index was additionally calculated. The mean Crown Canopy Index of 0.5 turned out a canopy dominance of Quercus  brantii, Acer cineracense, Crataegus sp. and Pyrus syriaca  over Lonicera nomularifolia and Amygdalus sp.. Moreover, the Crown Canopy Differentiation Index was calculated to quantify the differences between the levels of crown canopy in adjacent trees. This returned a mean value of 0.48 for the entire trees, which reflects the difference between the tree canopy levels. The results showed that the study site is currently undergoing an inappropriate biodiversity for woody species which yet shows better conditions compared to similarly-structured stands in the region. As a conclusion, proper forest planning measures should be carried out to prevent the recently experienced consistent loss of biodiversity