Comparative assessment of tree and shrub species diversity in protected and under-recreational management conditions in Fandoghlou forest of Ardabil

Today, we face with increasing global concerns about loss of biodiversity in forest ecosystems that this important notation is increased in managing forests. The aim of this study is evaluation of forest sustainability using density, number of species, crown canopy percent and biodiversity indicators in Fandoghlou forests in conservation and under-recreation management conditions. To collect the required data, designed an inventory grid with dimension of 50*50m and 60 sample plots in conservation and under-recreation areas were set, respectively (generally 120 plots). In each sample plot, the type of species, and diameter of trees, and 2 crown diameter of shrubs recorded. In present study, by using Past software, were applied Margalef, Berger-Parker, Fisher indicator and evenness criteria to evaluate biodiversity. The results of ANOVA and Duncan multiple test indicated that with increasing intensity of recreational activities, density, number of species, crown canopy percent and also richness and diversity will decreased significantly (pvalue = 0.000), although this is not correct about evenness indicator. Generally, it is concluded that uncontrolled and high recreational activities provided expensive degradation of Fandoghlou forest ecosystem, that this case resulted to negative effects on forest sustainability.