Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology

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Fallah S, Mirazadi Z, Pilehvar B, Jafari Sarabi H. Investigation of Decline Severity, Floristic Status, and Plant Diversity in Three Amygdalus Lyciodes Spach Habitats in Lorstan Province. Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology 2025; 14 (1) :1-24
URL: http://ijae.iut.ac.ir/article-1-1245-en.html

The present study investigates the intensity of deterioration, floristic status, and plant diversity in three degraded habitats of Amygdalus lyciodes Spach shrublands in Dadaabad, Rimaleh, and Gaikan, Lorestan Province. In each habitat, five one-hectare plots were sampled for tree and shrub species, ten 1-m² microplots for herbaceous plants, and five composite soil samples were collected. Results showed deterioration rates of 56.20% in Gaikan, 26.25% in Rimaleh, and 21.21% in Dadaabad. A total of 146 plant species were identified, with Asteraceae and Gramineae being the most represented families. Therophytes and hemicryptophytes were the dominant life forms, and the Irano-Turanian phytogeographic region was the most prevalent chorotype. Plant diversity indices were highest in Dadaabad. The Gaikan site exhibited lower stand purity, diversity indices, and higher soil bulk density, pH, exotic species frequency, and deterioration rate compared to the other sites. Overall, Gaikan is in a more critical condition regarding deterioration, floristic quality, soil health, and ecosystem sustainability. Urgent restoration and conservation measures are needed to prevent further degradation in this region.