Habitat presentation, phenology, factors of destruction and necessity of protection and rehabilitation of Acacia albida Delile

Acacia albida Delile naturally grows on the outskirts of Razm Abad village, Dashti city, Bushehr province. This species is a hardy drought-resistant tree with abundant ecological and economic potential. The forest is under threat of degradation because of its close distance to the village. This research has been carried out to identify the habitat, the causes of degradation, the possibility of seed production for future propagation, and the necessity to protect it. The forest of this species can be categorized into three forms including dense, semi-dense, and scattered form. The reproduction of this species through seeds was scarce, but coppice seedlings were found in this area. In terms of phenology, A. albida lost its leaves in July, reproduced leaves in November, and produced flowers in March. Due to the late cold in March, flowers were destroyed and fruits were not formed during this work. Deforestation of Acacia habitat for agricultural and horticultural, livestock grazing, consecutive droughts, cutting down and uprooting trees, digging agricultural wells in the vicinity of the habitat, and herbal pests are essential and serious factors of threat and destruction of this habitat. Lowering the underground water level and water out of the reach of trees and reduction of flood-water in the Sana seasonal river are other important threats of forest degradation. Protecting, forestry, using floodwater of the Sana seasonal river, and continuous monitoring and enriching the forest can help sustain and rehabilitate this valuable natural forest. It is, also, recommended to do more research on the reasons for the lack of this species in other parts of southern Iran. To study the process of forest sequence, seed and seedling production and afforestation is suggested.