Document Type : Scientific Letters
Authors
1
Assistant Professor., Forest and Rangelands Research Department, Baluchestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Iranshahr, Iran.
2
Associate Prof., Research Division of Forest, Forest and Rangeland Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran.
3
Assistant Prof., Research Division of Natural Resources, Kuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Ahvaz, Iran.
10.22092/irn.2026.371420.1706
Abstract
Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as mesquite, has been utilized as a key species in sand dune stabilization and desertification control projects across the southern provinces of Iran due to its high tolerance to heat and drought. Despite its widespread expansion, the lack of precise data regarding the extent of afforestation and the distribution of this species nationwide poses significant challenges to effective management planning and sustainable utilization. This study aimed to assess the distribution of P. juliflora within Sistan and Baluchestan Province. The findings revealed that approximately 5,000 hectares are covered by planted stands, while natural populations occupy around 72,000 hectares, accounting for about 0.041% of the province’s total area. In the northern region (Sistan), the species has been recently introduced through artificial planting for green space development. However, its primary distribution is concentrated in central areas such as Iranshahr and the southern parts of the province, particularly along the coast of the Oman Sea. The species exhibits high regenerative capacity and establishes successfully in most favorable areas.
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