Effect of Tang Hammam dam on Persian gazelle (Gazella S.Subgutturosa) habitat in no hunting areas of Gharaviz (Kermanshah province)

Dams are one of the largest man-made structures that severely affect the hydrology cycle. In general, their effects can be divided into positive and negative categories. Detecting the effects of these structures on wildlife habitat is one of the important aspects of development. Tang Hammam Reservoir dam located in west of Kermanshah province and Sarpol-e-Zahab country has effects on the Persian gazelle (Gazella S.Subgutturosa) habitat. This study aimed to quantify these effects on the habitat of the mentioned species and positive and negative effects were evaluated by affecting vegetation density and habitat suitability. Habitat suitability was determined using maximum entropy method. The TSS threshold was used to create binary maps. Quantification of the effect on vegetation was also performed using the normalized different vegetation index (NDVI) for the years 2014 to 2019 at different intervals between 0 and 500 m from the water body. Totally, from 2014 to 2019, the area of underwater habitat has increased in the study area. If water zones increase in the coming years, central patches of the region and communication with the Iraq country will be threatened. However, the effects on vegetation density indicate an increase in mean density index at distances up to 500 m relative to dam. Results showed that in the current conditions the dam has more positive effects but this increase of water behind the dam in future will not have any positive effects for the region.