Caspian Forests Research Articles

Evaluation of the Suspensioning Decision of Hydropower Dam in the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) World Natural Heritage Registered Forest (The Case of Shafarood Dam, Iran)

Objective: The Hyrcanian forests (Caspian forests) are located in western Asia and were inscribed on the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 2019. The construction of the hydropower Shafarood dam began in these forests in 1990.Because of budget deficits and the suspensions incurred by opposing activists in 2013, dam construction has only advanced by 23% ever since. The main purpose of this paper was to evaluation of the suspensioning decision of hydropower dam in the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world natural heritage registered forest. Theoretical framework: The case of this study was the Shafarood dam in Iran. There were several meetings held between opposing and agreeing stakeholders and the relevant organizations and therefore, it was decided to unsuspend the project provided that specific changes are made to the plan and adequate financial resources are allocated. The dam’s reservoir has caused the destruction of 175 hectares of Hyrcanian forests and its biodiversity. Forests play a key role in reducing greenhouse gases on a global scale. Result: Based upon the collected data and opinions from the proponents and opponents of the dam construction, and according to the options of implementing or terminating; the environment was divided into three categories and accordingly, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) was performed. Finally, an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was proposed for this dam and those under construction or suspended in forested areas. Conclusion: To minimize the negative environmental effects of Hydropower Shafarood dam, an environmental impact reduction plan was proposed, whichmainly focused on mitigating measures. Reduction measures in this plan include reducing the height of the dam, proper localization of supply materials required for the dam construction, replacing modern agriculture with traditional agriculture, looking for an alternative water supply for drinking and industrial sector via conventional and unconventional methods, forest rehabilitation.

Status of Imperial Eagle in Iran

Distribution and abundance of the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Iran: a scarce breeding bird in Caspian forests of central and eastern Alborz, and in the east of northern Khorasan. A widespread winter visitor in rather small numbers to Caspian lowlands and large wetlands in central Iran south to Khuzestan, the Persian Gulf coast, and southern Baluchestan. Also seen as a passage migrant in Iranian Azerbaijan. Conservation status: Globally has been listed as vulnerable (VU) in IUCN Red List and listed in CITES Appendix I. Also concerned as endangered species in Iran and is of conservation value.

An improved algorithm for small and low-intensity fire detection in the temperate deciduous forests using MODIS data: a preliminary study in the Caspian Forests of Northern Iran

An improved algorithm for small and low-intensity fire detection in the temperate deciduous forests using MODIS data: a preliminary study in the Caspian Forests of Northern Iran

Flora, Life Forms and Chorotypes of Forest Floor Plants in the Asalem Forests, Western Hyrcanian, Iran

The aim of this research was to introduce the forest floor plants species, their life-forms, and describe their geographic distribution in the Asalem Watershed basin (no.7), Western Guilan province (part of Western Hyrcanian) in northern forests of Iran. The Asalem forest is one of the most important and valuable areas of Caspian forest in Iran. The study was conducted on 91 plots of 400 m2 (20 × 20 m) along 19 transects in the basis of a random- systematic sampling design. Inside each main plot, three quadrates (5 × 5 m) on the diagonal line and internal quadrates (1 × 1 m) were chosen, and all of the floor plants collected. The results revealed that there were 306 species, 181 genera and 54 families. The main family was Poaceae with 36 species and 25 genera (12%). Then, the highest number of species belonged to the Asteraceae with 28 species, Fabaceae with 26 species, Lamiaceae with 20 species, Rosaceae with 14 species, Apiaceae and Cyperaceae each including 13 species, Caryophyllaceae with 12 species, Rubiaceae and Orchidaceae each including 11 species. Regarding to the life forms, Hemicryptophytes with 45% (137 species) were the largest group. The chorological analysis indicated that species belonging to the regions of Euro-Siberian were the most significant ecological groups.

Effects of plot size on assessment of tree species diversity in Caspian forests of Iran

Abstract. Mirzazadeh A, Pourbabaei H, Daryaei MG, Bonyad A. 2022. Effects of plot size on assessment of tree species diversity in Caspian forests of Iran. Biodiversitas 23: 4879-4886. Tree species diversity is important to forest managers because any management that reduces tree species diversity may greatly reduce commercial benefits. Therefore, control over tree species diversity is an important aspect of hardwood forest management. An efficient and quick survey method is needed to facilitate the assessment of tree species diversity in forest stands. In this study, the effects of plot size on the assessment of tree species diversity were compared in the uneven-aged hardwood stands in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. There were selected 50 hectares of these forests representing the regional forests. Sampling procedures were carried out on concentric lozenge plots with different sizes, including 400, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, and 5000 m2 in the dimensions of 150×150m. For each plot, the type of the species and the number of trees were recorded. Shannon-Wiener (H’), Simpson (1-D), Mc-Arthur (N1), Hill (N2), Camargo (E'), Simpson (E1/D), Nee (EQ), Smith-Wilson (Evar), Menhinick (R2), Margalef (R1) indices were used to estimate of tree species biodiversity. The precision and cost criteria (E%2× T) were applied for a better evaluation of different plot sizes. The obtained inventory error values showed that Hill (diversity), Camargo (evenness) and Menhinick (richness) indices had the lowest inventory error in the different plot sizes. Also, the lowest value of inventory error in diversity, evenness and richness indices were related to plot sizes of 2500, 5000, and 5000 m2, respectively. Based on the obtained results of diversity and evenness indices, there was a significant difference between the different plot sizes and different indices. The results showed that the lowest value of E%2×T for diversity, evenness and richness was related to Hill (800 m2), Camargo (1000 m2), and Menhinick (400 m2). The finding results revealed that plot size had a significant effect on tree species’ evenness.

Residual Trees Response to Selective Cutting Operations in Caspian Forests

Damages to residual trees caused by felling operation were assessed in the stands of a Caspian hardwood forest. Following the felling operation, a field survey was done to collect data of all residual trees (species, DBH, height) and of tree wounds (size class, location, intensity of damage). Different harvesting intensities were studied, and treatments were replicated three times. The results showed that the treatment with the medium and high harvest intensity was found to cause the highest percentage of damage and the largest stem wounds. It is concluded that harvesting intensity should be limited to 3 trees/ha during each harvesting operation to reduce the extent of tree damage and thus future financial loss.

Genetic diversity and structure of Buxus hyrcana (Pojark) populations in the Caspian forests of northern Iran revealed by ISSR markers

The Caspian boxwood (Buxus hyrcana) is an endangered, evergreen species in the Hyrcanian forests. The prevalence of pests and boxwood blight disease are bound to reduce the genetic diversity of this species in the near future. Accordingly, the current study considered habitat conservation and restoration by evaluating the genetic diversity of different Caspian boxwood populations. Ninety-seven accessions from seven geographic regions of Hyrcanian forests in Iran were investigated to determine genetic diversity and differentiation among and between populations using 10 ISSR primers. Results showed that the inter-population genetic diversity in B. hyrcana was estimated to be higher than intra-population genetic diversity. Principal coordinates analysis was performed on the populations, along with cluster (based on the Nei distance) and Bayesian structure analysis which classified the populations based on their distance from the sea and their altitude above sea level. Our findings suggest that geographic and environmental factors have an essential role in shaping regional gene flow and influence the genetic structure of B. hyrcana populations in the Hyrcanian forests.

Morphology, Growth and Architecture Response of Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) and Maple Tree (Acer velutinum Boiss.) Seedlings to Soil Compaction Stress Caused by Mechanized Logging Operations

The Caspian forests of Iran were monitored and evaluated for forest natural regeneration after logging activities for more than a decade. This large area has a substantial ecological, environmental and socio-economic importance. Ground based skidding is the most common logging method in these forests and soil compaction is the most critical consequence of this method. One of the current main topics and important emerging issue in forest research of the last decade are discussed in this study. Soil compaction has major influences on growth and/or mortality rates of forest seedlings. This study has lasted for over ten years so as to have a clear overview related to forest natural regeneration after logging activities. We monitored and evaluated physical soil properties (bulk density, penetration resistance and total porosity) and their effects on maple and beech seedlings on 10-year-old skid trails in the Iranian Caspian forests. Results obtained from evaluating the impact of skid trails within the aforementioned three soil physical parameters were significant; bulk density increased by 12.6% on log skidded routes (between two skidder tires on skid trail) and 36.1% on tire tracks, compared to non-skid trails (1.19 g/cm3), penetration resistance increased by 68% on log skidded routes and 220% on tire tracks, compared to non-skid trails (0.25 MPa), total porosity decreased by 12.8% on log skidded routes and 30.9% on tire tracks, compared to non-skid trails (54%). Among the morphological parameters, lateral root length (LRL) and root penetration depth (RPD) showed the highest decrease at soil compaction compared to the control (decrease in LRL: 60% in maple and 44% in beech; decrease in RPD: 56% in both maple and beech); the main response of growth parameters to soil compaction was found in roots (decrease in dry mass of 36% both in maple and beech); architectural parameters were also influenced by soil compaction, and the response of both seedling species was more evident in the ratio of main root to stem length (RRS) (reduction in RRS 42% in maple, 33% in beech); the ratio of RPD to main root length (RPL) also showed a great reduction (reduction in RPL 20% in maple 33% in beech). Physical soil properties, changes in other environmental properties of skid trails, created differences in beech and maple seedling growth between the skid trails and non-skid trails. This was closely related to the physiological characteristics of the two species studied. Beech seedlings reacted well to a moderate uncovering but they needed little disturbed soil, even if there was a very mixed bedding. Maple seedlings reacted better than beech seedlings to the uncovering and soil disturbance. The effects of the skid trail on morphology, growth and architecture of maple seedlings in the Hyrcanian beech forests showed that the maple, as a seedling, is a suitable species for maintaining the physical properties of skid trails after logging operations in the beech stands in the Caspian forests of Iran.

The effect of forest management on the frequency of dangerous trees in the Northern forests of Iran

A study of work accidents in forests has shown that dangerous trees play an important role in forest accidents. Despite the importance of safe working environments for forestry operations, the definition of these areas in natural forests is still unclear. Dangerous trees are considered those snagged with broken branches and a canopy or ones with dead trunks and stumps that have a hazard potential to the forest workers. This study investigates the frequency of these trees in the managed and unmanaged forests in the Caspian forests of Iran. In order to do the study, 15 circular plots with a total area of 1,000 square metres in two studied parcels were selected and the trees, according to their dangerous characteristics, were evaluated. The final results indicated that 66 and 50 trees per hectare had signs of being dangerous trees in the managed and unmanaged stand, respectively. A comparison of the average number of dangerous trees in the two studied parcels using the Mann-Whitney test indicated a significant difference so that the average number of dangerous trees in the managed parcel was more than the ummanaged parcel. Trees with broken branches had the highest frequency in the managed stand, while trees with a dead trunk or stump, a broken branch and canopy in the unmanaged forest were more than the other classes. Considering the relative frequency of the dangerous trees in the two study areas, identifying them could be one of the main attempts in logging safety. The existence of hazardous trees with different risk classes in each of the forest stands requires the development of specific safety instructions to deal with the risks of each tree. <br /><br />

The Mazandarani Dialect of Kalijān Rostāq

Located in the Caspian forest south of the capital city of Sāri in Mazandaran, the rural district of Kalijān Rostāq is home to a number of close-knit villages which share a local Mazandarani dialect. The vernacular offers some authentic features in phonology, morphology, and lexis that are otherwise lost in the urban variety spoken in Sāri due to contact with Persian. In an attempt to elucidate on the loosely-known aspects of the Mazandarani language, this study offers a sketch grammar of the dialect of Kalijān Rostāq with a view to typological features. The glossary that follows includes many Caspian cultural items that are already moribund in the language.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Caspian Saffron (Crocus caspius Fisch and Mey) Flowers against CCl4- Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Background and objectivesFree radicals and other oxidants have important roles in liver cell toxicity. Some natural products are potent scavengers of oxidative agents. Crocus caspius is an endemic species of Caspian forest. Flowers of Crocus genus contain phenolic compound and carotenoid as antioxidant agent. This study investigated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Crocus caspius Fisch and Mey flowers (Caspian saffron) hydro-alcoholic extract (CCFE) against acute oxidative hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in mice.MethodsThe antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Crocus caspius flowers were investigated for presence of certain phytochemicals and total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. For evaluation of hepatoprotective activity, the BALB/c mice were pre-treated with 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg, of the extract intraperitoneally for 5 days and then received CCl4 (0.5 mL/kg, in olive oil). Liver injury was determined by serum biochemical markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutathione content of liver tissue and histopathological studies.ResultsThe phytochemical screening in Caspian saffron flowers indicated the presence of carotenoids, saponins, sterols, flavonoids, and tannins. The extract exhibited antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging assay (IC50 171.5 µg/mL). Pre-treatment groups with the extract demonstrated significant decrease in serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP (p<0.05) and concomitant increase in GSH content (p<0.05). Histopathological observation determined hepatocellular protective effects of the extract.ConclusionThe results represented the protective activity of the extract against oxidative hepatotoxicity.

A basal area increment model for individual trees in mixed continuous cover forests in Iranian Caspian forests

The aim of this study was to develop and test a new basal area growth model in mixed species continuous cover forests in northern Iran. We analyzed 421 core samples from 6 main species in the forest area to develop our growth model. In each plot, we measured variables such as total tree height (m), diameter at breast height (DBH) (cm) and basal area of larger trees as cumulative basal areas of trees (GCUM) of DBH > 5 cm. The empirical data were analyzed using regression analysis. There was a statistically significant nonlinear function between the annual basal area increment, as the dependent variable, and the basal area of the individual trees and competition as explanatory variables. Reference area from the largest trees, was circular plot with area of 0.1 ha. GCUM was estimated for trees of DBH > 5 cm. Furthermore, we investigated the dependencies of diameter growth of different species on stand density at different levels of competition, and diameter development of individual trees through time. The results indicate that competition caused by larger neighborhood trees has a negative effect on growth. In addition, the maximum diameter increment is affected by competition level. Therefore, the maximum diameter increment of species occurs when the trees are about 35–40 cm in dense-forest (40 to 0 m2 per ha) and when the trees are about 60 to 70 cm in very dense forest (60 to 0 m2 per ha) which is more likely to Caspian natural forests with high level density due to uneven-aged composition of stands.

Detection of Tree Species in Mixed Broad-Leaved Stands of Caspian Forests Using UAV Images (Case study: Darabkola Forest)

Detection of Tree Species in Mixed Broad-Leaved Stands of Caspian Forests Using UAV Images (Case study: Darabkola Forest)

Estimating the economic life of forest machinery using the cumulative cost model and cost minimization model in Iranian Caspian forests

This study was conducted in order to estimate the economic life of two models of rubber-tired skidders, namely Timberjack 450C and HSM 904, in Iranian Caspian forests. The total annual costs and average cumulative cost of skidders were calculated by life-cycle costing analysis. The economic life of the machines was estimated by both the cumulative cost model and cost minimization model. The results indicated that the economic life of Timberjack 450C and HSM 904 is 7,700 h (at the end of the 11&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; year) and 15,300 h (at the end of the 17&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; year), respectively, using the cost minimization model. Furthermore, the results indicated that the economic life of Timberjack 450C and HSM 904 is 9,100 h (at the end of the 13&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; year) and 11,900 h (at the end of the 21&lt;sup&gt;st&lt;/sup&gt; year), respectively, using the cumulative cost model. The cumulative cost model estimated the economic life of skidders longer than the cost minimization model.

Spatial variability of soil microbial indices in common alder COMMON ALDER (Alnus glutinosa) stands using a geostatistical approach in northern Iran

Microbial indices and their spatial patterns are strongly affected by environmental factors. Spatial variability of soil properties is one of the most important causes of variability in soil microbial indices. This research was conducted in the Caspian forest to assess spatial variabilities and frequency distributions of microbial properties. Ninety soil samples were taken using a grid sampling design 40 × 40 m. Microbial indices, organic carbon, nitrogen and pH were determined. Soil variable distributions showed that microbial indices had abnormal distributions. Logarithmic transformation produced normal distribution. Spatial continuity using geostatistical (variogram) was studied and maps obtained by point kriging. The variograms revealed the presence of spatial autocorrelation. The results indicate that spatial dependence of soil microbial indices was affected by non-intrinsic factors and forest management procedures. The maps show that soil microbial indices and soil properties have spatial variability. The spatial pattern of microbial indices was correlated to organic carbon and nitrogen.

Multiple criteria decision making approaches for forest sustainability (case study: Iranian caspian forests)

The aim of this research is to investigate the sustainability of economic social and environmental aspects in Iranian Caspian forests To do so questionnaires were used for data collection The questionnaires were distributed among the forestry experts in Guilan province north of Iran Analytic Hierarchy Process AHP and the Network Analysis ANP were used for prioritizing the indicators of sustainable forest management Investigated criteria and indicators are derived from the Near Middle East Process The Expert Choice and Super Decision software were used for data analysis The results of this study showed that the wood products sub ndash criterion and conservation of biological diversity have been known the most important criteria in the sustainable forest management in the study area using of AHP and ANP Furthermore the priorities of the other indicators are different in AHP and ANP This could be due to the reciprocity relations in the ANP and this method has more strengths than AHP nbsp

Ecological effects of forest roads on plant species diversity in Caspian forests of Iran

Current research includes the effects of asphalt forest roads on changes of plant cover and tree regeneration from asphalt forest roads edges towards its inner parts in two compartments of Nave Asalem forests located in the north of Iran. For this reason, in each side of road, 6 sample plots (20m×20m) were established for measuring plant species diversity. In each sample plot, ground vegetation and tree regeneration were assessed within nine 2×2m micro plots. In total, 12 sample plots and 108μ plots were established. Results indicated that the road positions were effective on plant species diversity. The highest diversity and evenness indices value were observed down of the road compared to the up of the road position for herbal and tree regeneration layers. The same results were found also for herbal richness indices. Up of road position had the greatest value of richness indices in comparison to the other road position for tree regeneration layer. Also, the results showed that diversity, richness, and evenness indices were decreased with the increasing of distance from the road side for herbs and tree regeneration layers. This study indicated that roads can increase plant biodiversity; that is, tree regeneration density.

Transformational restoration: novel ecosystems in Denmark

Restoring the estimated 1 billion hectares of degraded forests must consider future climate accompanied by novel ecosystems. Transformational restoration can play a key role in adaptation to climate change but it is conceptually the most divergent from contemporary approaches favoring native species and natural disturbance regimes. Here, we review concepts of novelty in ecosystems with examples of emergent/neo-native and designed novel ecosystems, with application to transformational restoration. Danish forests have a high degree of novelty and provide a realistic context for discussing assisted migration, one method of transformational adaptation. Deforestation and impacts of past land use created a highly degraded landscape dominated by heathland in western Denmark. Restoration with non-native species began 150 years ago because the native broadleaves could not establish on the heathlands. Danish forestry continues to rely extensively on non-native species. Preparing for transformational adaptation requires risky research today to prepare for events in the future and refugia from the last glaciation may provide genetic material better adapted to future climate. A new project will test whether species and provenances from the Caspian forests in Iran possess greater genetic diversity and superior resistance (physiological adaptability) and resilience (evolutionary adaptability) and possibly a gene pool for future adaptation.

Effects of tree diameter and some working conditions on residual stump height following selective logging - Short Communication

The forests in the north of Iran are located on steep terrains. The stump heights were measured in three compartments under selective management in Caspian forests. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of site characteristics on stump heights. The trees were felled with a Stihl chainsaw in the region. Each compartment included three slope categories (0–15, 15–30, and 30–60%) and three diameter categories (40–60, 60–80, 80–100 cm). Also, three snow depths were identified in the felling places (0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm) because of the felling season. The results of ANOVA test indicated that slope categories and snow depth had significant effects on stump heights (P &amp;lt; 0.01). In addition, the results proved that the stump diameter of harvested trees had no significant effect on residual stump heights (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Besides, there is a multiple linear relationship between stump height (dependent variable) and ground slope and snow depth as the independent variables.

Shape of skidder productivity function for ground based skidding system in Caspian forests

Understanding how stand and terrain parameters impact the productivity of harvesting machines is important for determining their optimum use Time and motion studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of terrain characteristics and work methods on skidder productivity in cut to length skidding system in easy and difficult terrain condition in Caspian forests It was found that the productivity for skidding operation on selective cutting sites classified as easy and difficult terrain conditions ranged from to m h The results proved that logarithmic model in both skidding distance R and Y ln x and volume per turn R and Y ln x entered in the model in easy condition Also the results proved that the logarithmic model in both skidding distance R and Y ln x and volume per turn R and Y ln x entered in the model in difficult condition These observations suggest that maximization of payload and optimization of timber extraction distance are more crucial for economic skidding on difficult sites Also skidding in easy terrain condition can increase productivity until m h It can be concluded that correct design of skidding trails can resulted in more production during ground based skidding in the region