The Effect of Conservation Rate and Types of Utilization on Species diversity and Flora Composition of Medicinal Plants in protected areas close to Golestan National Park

Management methods and utilization levels may significantly affect species diversity in the protected regions. Therefore in this research, 3 protected sites were selected in the marginal rural areas at the eastern edge of Golestan National Park, Iran. Dasht, Chashmehkhan and Robat Gharebill villages were respectively under use by human, livestock and wildlife. In May 2018, 3 modified Whitaker plots were established. Each plot included 3 quadrates of 100 m2, 6 quadrates of 10 m2 and 30 quadrates of 1 m2. Total plant diversity and diversity of medicinal plants were highest in Dasht and lowest in Chshmehkhan sites. Intense livestock grazing in Cheshmehkhan led to higher (27%) proportion of medicinal plants, but the plant species were mainly annuals and spiny with low medicinal values. In contrast, highest number of valuable medicinal plants and high number of endemic species were in Dasht site, where slight utilization were done by local inhabitants. In conclusion, livestock grazing may lead to the highest negative impacts on reducing diversity of total plants and medicinal plants as compared to the wildlife and human use.