Document Type : Scientific Letters
Authors
1
Associate Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
2
Assistant Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
3
Assistant Prof., Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Khuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Ahvaz, Iran
10.22092/irn.2026.372041.1720
Abstract
In the present study, the natural distribution and planted stands of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.) were identified in the Sahara-Sindian region of Kerman Province, southeastern Iran, including the counties of Jiroft, Anbarabad, Faryab, Qaleh Ganj, Rudbar-e Jonub, Kahnooj, and Manoojan. The identification process was carried out in three stages: collecting preliminary data from the General Office of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of South Kerman, conducting field surveys, and processing digital data to produce distribution maps for two categories, namely natural stands (canopy cover > 5%) and plantation areas. The results showed that the largest and smallest plantation areas occurred in Rudbar-e Jonub (3301 ha) and Manoojan (246.6 ha), respectively.The largest natural stand of P. juliflora was recorded in Kahnooj County (223.5 ha), whereas no natural stand with canopy cover > 5% was observed in Anbarabad County. Overall, 10,381.9 ha of planted stands and 914.1 ha of natural stands of this species were recorded in the Sahara-Sindian region of Kerman Province. The extent of natural distribution, only 0.025% of the total 3,658,979-ha study area, indicates that spontaneous expansion of P. juliflora in this region is highly restricted and does not conform to the common perception of its widespread, invasive regeneration. This pattern is consistent with similar findings from Hormozgan, Bushehr, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces. However, definitive conclusions about non-invasive behavior should be made cautiously, considering factors such as the young age of some planted stands, delayed seed production, the role of humid microhabitats, and long-term population dynamics.
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