Analyzing and identifying the threats in the hunting area of Eshkorat in Gilan using remote sensing techniques and geographical information system

Eshkevarat hunting prohibited region with 30347/46 ha is located in the middle of Roodsar city in Gilan. Due to habitat diversity and valuable species, this area has high conservation value. Land use/cover (LULC) changes resulted in human activities is one of the most important factors influencing the change of plant diversity in the region. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of LULC changes on the vegetation type and diversity in the period of (2009-2019) in the Eshkevarat hunting prohibited region‬. In order to analyze the LULC changes, the vegetation of the area was also investigated and a plant type map with 13 types or plant units was prepared. In this way, we can observe the effect of land changes based on each plant type. The results of Change detection show that the area of agriculture and semi-dense rangelands increased during 10 years while rainforest and dense rangelands decreased. The most damage and change were observed in two types, X and XI, including species such as Fagus, Acer, Quercus, Carpinus, Fraxinus, Carpinus, and Quercus as well as types V and VI, which include species such as Berberis, Crataegus, Pyrus, Lonicera, Rosa, Juniperus, Crataegus, Cotoneaster, Berberis, and Astragalus.