Distribution of American Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC) in the Saharo-Sindian region of Iran-Bushehr province

Document Type : Scientific Letters

Authors

1 Assistant Prof., Research Division of Forest, Research Institute of Forests and Range Lands, (AREEO), Tehran

2 Assistant Prof., Research Division of Natural Resources, Kuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran

3 Assistant Prof., Research Division of Forest, Research Institute of Forests and Range Lands, (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

4 Research Expert, Research Division of Natural Resources, Bushehr Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO), Bushehr, Iran

5 Assistant Prof., Research Division of Natural Resources, Bushehr Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO), Bushehr, Iran

10.22092/irn.2024.131638

Abstract

American Mesquite (is called Somr in Persian), (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC) is native to South America (Mexico). It has been introduced and planted in south Iran for over 50 years. This project was carried out to determine the distribution of this species in terms of plantation or wild distribution in the Bushehr province. To determine the distribution of American mesquite, initial field visits were conducted, and after taking field notes and recording the UTM points, satellite images were analyzed. Polygons related to the distribution areas of American Mesquite were closed on the Google Earth images. Trees that were probably Somr were selected from the satellite images, and their UTM coordinates were recorded. With the ground control of those points, the distribution areas of Somr in the province were determined. The distribution map of Somr was prepared. The results showed that American mesquite is distributed in dense and non-dense afforestation on the sides of highways, roads, forest parks, and green spaces and scattered in other fields. These sample points were mainly related to afforestation and sometimes to agricultural lands, orchards, pastures, or the side of highways and roads. The area of afforestation with this species was 14444.8 ha. The wild distribution of this species with ≥5% canopy cover was 290 ha in Dayer County. Further Research in terms of forest monitoring on the distribution of this species was recommended. Planting this species east of Bushehr Province from Mond River to the southeast of Bushehr province was not recommended.

Keywords

References

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Iran Nature
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 45
July and August 2024
Pages 31-36

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