Investigation on development potential of endangered species of Taxus baccata at Golestan Province, based on GIS technology (Case study: Pooneh Aram reserve)

Abstract

Taxus baccata is a native endangered coniferous species of Iran. Although the species had a wide range distribution in the past, but now has limited habitats. Therefore, further studies of the species spatial distribution and its possible development and extant by plantation projects, is necessary due to vital support of this medicinal species. The aim of the study was to compare the Yew’s ecological requirements with the ecological characteristics of the studied area at Golestan province in order to identify the most appropriate sites for forest plantation. For this reason, the multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) method, based on analysis of hierarchical process (AHP) was used. At first, the 10 required natural criteria which affect T. baccata’s growth, including altitude, slope gradient, slope aspect, geology, relatively air moisture, precipitation, temperature, soil type, plant cover and canopy cover density were considered and at the end after identifying their weight, final map of the area suitable for the Yew’s plantation was developed, based on the Multi Criteria Evaluation model. The results showed that from the studied total area of 30554 hectares, the classified lands for the Yew’s plantation were as follows: 2482 ha. Excellent, 10982 ha. fine, 10909 ha. moderate and 6181 ha poor. Overall, it’s easy to specify the areas suitable for Yew’s plantation as well as to develop a registered program and plan for its plantation at the Caspian forests of Iran