Effects of conservation on woody species diversity in Oshtorankooh region, Lorestan

In order to investigate the effect of conservation on the tree and shrub species diversity, the woody species of Oshtorankooh of Lorestan in slopes of central Zagros mountains at altitudes 1600-1800 meters were studied in three parts (central zone, peripheral zone and non-protected region) using biological diversity indices. In this study, 10 woody species were identified out of which six tree species and four shrub species were recorded. Out of the all identified species, nine, eight and four species were observed in buffer zone, central zone and non-protected region, respectively. One- Way ANOVA and Duncan tests showed that the status of diversity indices in buffer zone and core zone were better than non-protected region. There were significant differences between species dominance index in non-protected region with central and peripheral zones (p-value < 0.05). The central and buffer zones showed more suitable conditions compared to the zone located at outside of protected border in terms of richness and diversity. Also comparison between these three zones using species similarity coefficients including Jaccard, Sorensen and Ellenberg emphasize better living conditions for trees and shrubs within the protected region (central and peripheral zones) than non-protected region. The results indicate that there was a close relationship between biological diversity and conservation level in the studied area.