Spatial distribution of wooden species in Northern Zagros forests (Case study: Havare-khol forests)

Understanding the distribution of plant spatial pattern is useful for explaining the ecosystems stability, designing proper management plans, and preservative and reforestation operations. Considering the importance of the northern Zagros forests in terms of socio - economic, protection and reforestation, and given that most research which has been done on the spatial patterns in the Western forests of the country focused on the even-aged coppice forests, the woody species spatial pattern in Havare–Khol forests of Baneh city, governed by a combination of both even-age (on the tree) and uneven-aged forests (on the ground), was studied. In this research, using the randomized-systematic method and 200×300 m inventory network, sixty sampling points were measured by the nearest individual, T-square and compound methods. Data analyses were accomplished by the distance methods of Johnson and Zimmer, Eberhart, Hopkins, Hinez and C index, using of Ecological Methodology software. Results showed the clumped pattern for Johnson and Zimmer, Eberhart and Hinez, the clumped pattern towards the random patterns for C index, and the uniform pattern for Hopkins indices. The clumped tree spatial pattern in Havare-Khol forest was totally determined. The results generally illustrated that based on some indices, taking distance the tree spatial pattern in Havare-Khol forest from natural condition was mainly related to the major jobs of forest dwellers, animal husbandry, and their activities (pruning and cattle grazing etc.)