Modeling human population patterns on tree density

Yousefpoor, M.; Rostamie Shahraji, T.; Eslam Bonyad, A.; Salahi, M.

doi:10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.010

Document Type : SHORT COMMUNICATION

Authors

¹ Faculty of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry, University of Guilan, Somehsara, Guilan, Iran

² Faculty of Basic Sciences. University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

https://doi.org/10.7508/gjesm.2016.03.010

Abstract

In order to evaluate the possible correlation between the tree density and the human population density, the forested area in Nav Asalem district located in Guilan Province was selected. The descriptors of tree number and basal area per hectare as well as the stand density index were used to determine the tree density, which was conducted from a 2014 forest inventory including 62 cluster (558 plots) systematically scattered over 30 % of the forest area. In addition, to determine the density of the human population, circular buffers at intervals of 1 to 7 km from the center of each cluster was considered and population density of each layer was calculated using buffering functions. Statistical results showed that the average basal area, average number of trees and the average stand density index was 23.16 m²/ha, 243 per ha and 178.25 respectively and also different human population density in each buffer. Using Pearson correlation test indicated a significant negative correlation between the stand density index and basal area (DBH≥ 15 cm) with human population density. There was no significant relationship between the number of trees per hectare and the human population density except at 7 km. This findings support studies regarding the disturbance has strong correlative with the number of residents per unit area at up to 7 km from clusters and greater control on anthropogenic interventions should be the main priority of sustainable forestry in Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran. Due to the existence of an effective relationship between the components of the tree density and human population in the forest, policy-makers and planners of natural resources could benefit management patterns appropriate to above components to achieve sustainable management.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

Effects of human population density on the tree density descriptor
Management patterns appropriate to achieve sustainable natural resources management for policy-makers and planners
Natural conservation and sustainable management of local people within the Hyrcanian forests

Keywords

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