“Shaloo and Mongasht” a protected area in the heart of Karun Dam Lake

The Shaloo and Mongasht protected area with an area about 12553 ha is located in Irano-Turanian region (Zagros region) between the longitudes 50° 15´ to 50° 40´ E and latitudes 31° 35´ to 31° 45′ N. So far, about 300 species belonging to 50 families have been collected and identified in this region. The forest cover of the region, dominated by Quercus brantii along with Crataegus aronia, Pistacia atlantica, Acer monspessulanum, and Cotoneaster nummularius form the physiognomy of Shaloo and Mongasht protected area. Nine endemic species were found in this area. Overexploitation of natural resources, specially grazing, change in land use, hunting of birds, extension of gardening and agriculture, and construction of villas and residential houses on the margin of protected area can pose a serious threat to the region in the long run. There are many medicinal and edible plants in the Shaloo and Mongasht protected area. Unfortunately, the population of species such as Ferulago angulata, Prangosspp., Myrtus communis, and Allium spp. is declining.