Comparison and prioritization of environmental threats in natural habitats of mangrove forests of Iran

Today, mangroves around the world have faced many risks under the influence of local economic pressures, biophysical stimuli, and socio-ecological systems, and the identification and prioritization of these pressures and threatening factors is of great importance. Therefore, in the present study, to identify threatening drivers in different habitats of this region, we evaluated the threatening factors in the framework of the DPSIR conceptual model, including the driving force (D), pressure (P), situation (S), effect (I), and response (R). Threatening drivers in different habitats were also compared and prioritized. As the results showed, 16 threatening drivers of human and environmental origin were identified in these habitats, in this regard, 90 threatening factors have led to the occurrence of environmental hazards in the region. Among these factors, 37 with a score above 70% were observed among the different habitats. In addition, the most threatening drivers and pressures affecting Iran's mangrove forests were related to the habitat of Qeshm-Khorkhoran Island, and the least pressures and threats were related to the habitat of the city. In addition, among the threats identified in the region, inappropriate rainfall regimes (lack of rainfall) can be seen as the most important environmental threat factor among different habitats. The obtained results indicate that some habitats such as Qeshm-Khorkhoran, Mardo Island, Pol, and Kolghan, which are affected by several threatening factors and environmental pressures, should be prioritized for management and planning activities. Controlling these threats requires integrated planning and management at the regional level.