Typology of Forest Stands and Evaluation of Their Overall Status in Natural Forests of Daalaab Region, Ilam Province

The present study aims at introducing and recognizing the forest types and their overall evaluation in Daalaab region, Ilam province. In order to recognize forest types in this region, first, the existent types upon map were specified based on physiognomic observations in nature, Then 60 plot (1000m2 for each) were specified by using methods of height gradient inventory and our given factors including Crown Cover were measured within them. The separation of types boundary was done based on Crown Cover percent of dominant species within plots and finally three types named Quercus brantii, mixed type (Quercus brantii–Pistacia atlantica-Acer cinerascens), and Daphne mucronata- Amygdalus orientalis types were recognized in the region. It is important to note that the change of forest types in relation with the changes of elevation from sea level, gradient, and somewhat direction is significant; so as we see, Quercus brantii type is prevailed in elevation ranges from 1300 to 1600 meter from the sea level and as the gradient and the elevation from the sea level increases, tree and shrub types prevail. The mixed type is found in elevations range from 1600 to 2000 meter from the sea level and in higher heights, more than 2000 meter, the Type of Daphne mucronata-Amygdalus orientalis is formed in which one can see diffused monotrees of Acer cineracens.