Biodiversity & Biosafety
Reihaneh Saberi Pirooz; Faraham Ahmadzadeh
Abstract
Introduction: The Caspian Hyrcanian forests are a habitat with ancient growth of temperate broadleaf trees that spread along the Alborz Mountain range's northern slopes and near the southern borders of the Caspian Sea. However, human activities have significantly reduced forest cover, and identifying ...
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Introduction: The Caspian Hyrcanian forests are a habitat with ancient growth of temperate broadleaf trees that spread along the Alborz Mountain range's northern slopes and near the southern borders of the Caspian Sea. However, human activities have significantly reduced forest cover, and identifying species diversity, forest structure, and human manipulations in Hyrcanian forests have received less attention. Macroinvertebrates are the main part of soil biodiversity in forests. Earthworms are one of the main components of soil biodiversity in forests and are one of the most valuable indicators of soil health and a vital component of soil fauna. Nevertheless, studying earthworms based on their morphological features poses various challenges. To overcome these challenges, DNA barcoding has emerged as a valuable tool extensively employed in biodiversity research. The study aims to use molecular approaches to identify earthworms and their diversity and compare the communities of these animals between natural and planted forests in the Hyrcanian region.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the central part of the Caspian Hyrcanian forests. The research was done in three locations, with two planted and two natural areas in each location. Within each area, a total of six quadrats were randomly placed to collect samples. Subsequently, the samples were classified based on their morphological characteristics. A total of 251 earthworm samples were collected, and 22 individuals were then selected for genetic studies using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit one (COI) gene after doing morphological sorting. The samples were initially kept in 96% ethanol for genetic studies to long-term storage. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were then performed to investigate the diversity of earthworms and compare their communities between planted and natural areas and three locations. Results: Based on genetic studies, 15 taxonomic units of earthworm were identified in the study area of the Hyrcanian forests. The research findings indicate that the abundance and total number of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) in natural and planted areas are almost the same. The results of univariate statistical analysis (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis (PERMANOVA) did not show any significant difference for earthworms between natural and planted habitats.Discussion: The study demonstrates that the utilization of barcoding techniques yields more accurate results; however, the establishment of a comprehensive DNA reference library is necessary to enhance the precision of species classification. Despite finding no significant differences in earthworm communities between natural and planted forests, notable distinctions were detected among the three studied locations. This suggests that the dependence of earthworms on planted forests is contingent upon specific characteristics, soil conditions, and management practices. Moreover, the results show that earthworms are known for their ability to adapt to a wide range of environments. It is anticipated that secondary forests, which have been established for over two decades, will provide sufficient time for the restoration of earthworm populations, contributing to overall ecosystem recovery. The significance of this knowledge lies in its contribution to the sustainable preservation and effective administration of forests, particularly the Hyrcanian forests, which represent an ancient and invaluable ecosystem.
Biodiversity & Biosafety
Reza Sheikhakbari-Mehr; Zahra Khalili; Younes Asri; Mehdi Ramezani
Abstract
Introduction: Plants play a key role in the balance of ecosystems and therefore are vital for the sustainability of the environment. Any knowledge about the plant species of a region is considered the basic principle for other research and can be a starting point for future supplementary studies. Biodiversity ...
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Introduction: Plants play a key role in the balance of ecosystems and therefore are vital for the sustainability of the environment. Any knowledge about the plant species of a region is considered the basic principle for other research and can be a starting point for future supplementary studies. Biodiversity is one of the important aspects of life, especially considering the climate and land use. Destruction of the environment and natural resources has caused the extinction of plant and animal species and consequently, the reduction of biodiversity in the world. Given that today humans are facing numerous environmental issues and threats to biodiversity, the best way to save biodiversity and understand its values is to continuously evaluate and monitor natural habitats. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating and analyzing plant biodiversity in the Plang-Dareh protected area in Qom province, as well as determining the endemism and conservation status of plant species in the area. The results obtained from this research can be used to explain the role of protected areas in the preservation and maintenance of genetic resources, environmental health and the development of appropriate management-protection plans.Materials and Methods: Palang-Dareh protected area is located southwest of Qom province. In order to make a contribution to the flora of the region during periodic visits, plant samples were collected in the growing seasons for two consecutive years. Any information about collected samples was noted, and the samples were pressed and dried. Plant species were identified using relevant Floras. In addition to determining the endemic and conservation status of plant species, the life form of plants was determined based on the Raunkier method and the chorology of plant species in the study area was determined using Zohari and Leonard classification. In order to evaluate the biodiversity of vegetation along an altitude gradient, the height (a.s.l.) in the study area was divided into three zones (1600-1900, 1300-2200, 1600-1900 meters). Systematic-random sampling was done from different altitude zone of the study area and biodiversity indices were calculated.Results: Based on our results there are 171 plant species belonging to 126 genera and 46 families in the studied area. The family Asteraceae is the richest plant family in Palang-Dareh. In terms of life form, 45% of the species belong to hemicryptophytes and 22% to therophytes. The chorology of the species showed that more than 65% of the flora of the Palang-Dareh protected area belong to the Irano-Turanian chorotype and 12% belong to the Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean phytogeographical regions. 15% of the identified species are endemic to Iran and some plants are on the list of vulnerable or endangered species. The evaluation of biodiversity indices in different altitude zones revealed that the species diversity and species richness indices have reached their maximum in the intermediate altitude zone and the species diversity decreases with increasing altitude.Discussion: Having comprehensive knowledge about the vegetation of an area is an essential and the first step in solving ecological issues such as biodiversity conservation, natural resources management and, assessment of environmental conditions. The dominance of a dry climate as well as over-grazing and unauthorized human activities have led to the high prevalence of certain plant species (known as indicators of destruction) and also therophytes in the studied area. Enjoying diverse vegetation and suitable natural habitats, protected areas have an essential role in biodiversity conservation. Based on our results some endemic plants of the area have vulnerable or endangered conservation status so that, more precise conservation plans should be put on the agenda.
Biodiversity & Biosafety
Maryam Morovati; Naser Kamalian; Saeed Mohammadi
Abstract
Introduction: Habitat destruction is one of the main threats to biodiversity and species. Decomposition of the habitat and decrease of local populations to small habitats cause an increase in inbreeding, a decrease in genetic diversity, an increase in demographic events, and as a consequence, an increase ...
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Introduction: Habitat destruction is one of the main threats to biodiversity and species. Decomposition of the habitat and decrease of local populations to small habitats cause an increase in inbreeding, a decrease in genetic diversity, an increase in demographic events, and as a consequence, an increase in the risk of extinction. The Goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) with a vulnerable protection status is one of the key species of Iran's plain habitats, which is distributed in most regions of the country. But due to reasons such as indiscriminate hunting and habitat land use change, its population has decreased drastically and it needs stronger protection in the network of protected areas of Iran. Gazella subgutturosa is in the mammals' class, the order of Artiodactyla, the family of the Bovidae. In this study, the distribution of this species in the Kalmand Bahadran protected area of yazd has been investigated using the MaxEnt.Materials and methods: Data presence points of the species were collected through field studies and direct observations, footprints and resting places for the species in the Kalmand Bahadran protected area during the four seasons of 2022 recorded and using GPS was registered. In this study, the variables of slope, aspect, dem, distance from the water sources, distance from the road, distance from the village, distance from the watering place and vegetation were used to model the habitat suitability. Modeling was done using MaxEnt model in MaxEnt software and finally, the species distribution map was obtained. To investigate the spatial distribution of the study species in the region, a total of 41 presence points were used.Results: The results of the maximum entropy model showed that the greatest distribution potential in the central and northwestern regions of study area. Also, the results showed that the model has a high ability to predict the presence of Gazella subgutturosa in the study area and has a significant difference with the random model at all thresholds (AUC=0.812; P<0.0001). The results of the sensitivity analysis using the jackknife method showed that the variables of dem, distance from the water sources, and aspect. are of higher priority for the species in this area.Discussion: Due to successive droughts, the number of deer breeding in Kalmand Bahadran protected area has decreased. Another factor in the decrease of its population is the road accidents, which are caused by the passing of Tehran-Bandar Abbas transit road and rural roads in the region. The presence of free-ranging dogs on the outskirts of villages, illegal hunters, being preyed upon by carnivorous and Felidae and birds of prey such as wolves, caracal and eagles are other factors that decrease the population in the study area. But since the Kalmand area of Bahadran is relatively a good habitat for this species and support a relatively high number of species population. In general, by considering the areas used by Goitered gazelle and the areas identified in the suitable model, it can be concluded that the extent of the optimal habitat for the species in the Kalmand Bahadran protected area is more than what is currently used. Correct management and planning of the suitable habitats in this area can protect more than the maximum number of Goitered gazelles that existed in this area until today and improve the level of necessary habitat in the area. The results of this study can be used in the implementation of protection and management procedures to increase appropriate habitats in Yazd province.
Biodiversity & Biosafety
Mehdi Mehdinasab
Abstract
New methods of risk assessment can significantly reduce the severity of risks and consequently the environmental damage and move towards sustainable development. In this study, using the DPSIR model, the threats and environmental values of Poldokhtar wetlands in the ecological, hydrological and ...
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New methods of risk assessment can significantly reduce the severity of risks and consequently the environmental damage and move towards sustainable development. In this study, using the DPSIR model, the threats and environmental values of Poldokhtar wetlands in the ecological, hydrological and social areas were evaluated and based on the threat score, values and relationship between threats and values, the assessment of wetlands vulnerability and strategies Management was provided in response to the driving forces, pressures, situation and effects of risks. The results showed that ecologically, hydrologically and socially, droughts, fires, and wetland drainage resulted in reduced biodiversity, increased water turbidity and reduced water retention and functional reduction of hunting and hunting area of Poldokhtar wetlands. Effortless. The highest impact of ecological threats on wetland birds was 16.1 on average and the least impact on threats on arid plants with average 2 Environmental risks with a mean score of 10.3 would have an impact on water retention during the period of wetland dehydration, and a functional reduction of 8.6 percent wetland hunting and fishing area was the most important social risk impact.
Biodiversity & Biosafety
Somayyeh Arazi
Abstract
Zoning is a well-accepted method of keeping nature walkers away from ecologically sensitive and valuable areas. In this research, considering objectives such as; Introduction and feasibility study of Lipar region for tourism development, protection of biodiversity of the region and evaluation of the ...
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Zoning is a well-accepted method of keeping nature walkers away from ecologically sensitive and valuable areas. In this research, considering objectives such as; Introduction and feasibility study of Lipar region for tourism development, protection of biodiversity of the region and evaluation of the capabilities of Google Earth software and method of visual interpretation in simulation of regions, zoning of Lipar region was discussed. Ground control points were recorded during field visits and photographs of the area with the Global Positioning System. The ground reality map, the final zoning map and the calculation of the share of each zone were prepared in ArcGIS software version 10.3. Identification of vegetation and wildlife of the area was done through direct observation using a random method. The results of the analysis of the final classification map of the region showed that Lipar has 13 types of zones and the salt field has the lowest percentage and shrublands and grasslands with low density have the highest percentage. Also, 2.67% of the area has been affected by human construction. The results showed that areas such as sandy beaches, rocky areas and areas with vegetation on the surface of the lagoon are considered sensitive wildlife habitats. Also, in this study, 4 plant species, 6 bird species and 2 reptile species were identified.
Biodiversity & Biosafety
Jalil Badam Firouz; Mona Izadian; Farhad Hosseini Tayefeh
Abstract
The Cartagena Protocol was adopted to achieve a common and coordinated solution for the transboundary movement of transgenic organisms, establish confidence and legitimacy in the field of biosafety regulations in the world, and increase global coordination. Under Clause 2 of Article 23 of the Protocol, ...
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The Cartagena Protocol was adopted to achieve a common and coordinated solution for the transboundary movement of transgenic organisms, establish confidence and legitimacy in the field of biosafety regulations in the world, and increase global coordination. Under Clause 2 of Article 23 of the Protocol, States Parties are required to consult with the public and public institutions on the decision-making and policy-making of genetically modified species and to make the results of such consultations available to the public. In recent years, transgenic products have entered the diet of the Iranian people, but there has made no proper awareness about their benefits or harms for the people. Since the genetic structure of transgenic plants is altered through genetic engineering, and this change is usually done to improve the plant's resistance to certain pests or plant diseases, there is concern that these plants have also become resistant to drugs and cause abnormalities and the spread of diseases in humans. The Cartagena Protocol emphasizes the need for labeling, but despite the use of transgenic products in Iran, labeling and percentaging have not been done on all products and it is necessary to pay special attention to the implementation of the latest regulation of the Food and Drug Administration regarding transgenic events.