The relationship between tree density and human population density in forests

Abstract

The relationship between tree density and human population density in forests Abstract: In order to evaluate the possible correlation between the tree density and the human population density, the forested area in Nav Asalem district located in Gilan Province was selected. The descriptors of tree number and basal area per hectare as well as the stand density index of SDI were used to determine the tree density, which was conducted from a 2014 forest inventory involving 62 cluster (558 plots) systematically distributed over 30 % of the forest area. In addition, to determine the density of the human population, circular buffers at intervals of 1 to 7 km from the center of each cluster was considered and population density of each layer was calculated using buffering functions. Statistical results showed that the average basal area, average number of trees and the average stand density index was 23.16 m 2 /ha, 243 per ha and 178.25 m 3 /ha, respectively and also different human population density in each buffer. Using Pearson correlation test indicated a significant negative correlation between the SDI index and basal area (DBH≥ 15 cm) with human population density. There was no significant relationship between the number of trees per hectare and the human population density except at 7 km. we suggest that disturbance is significantly associated with population density at up to 7 km from clusters and greater control on human disturbance should be a vital for sustainable forest management and conservation in Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran. Due to the existence of an effective relationship between the components of the tree density and human population in the forest, policy-makers and planners of natural resources could benefit management patterns appropriate to above components to achieve sustainable management. Keywords: Tree density, basal area, stand density index, population density, Hyrcanian forests, Iran