Changes of vegetation indices under exclosure restoration operations in mountainous rangelands of Central Zagros (case study: Dishmook in Kohgiluyeh & Buyer Ahmad province)

Nowadays rangeland restoration is important because of severe degradation. It is important to know the ecological processes involved in restoration and its rate of success. This study assesses the effect of exclosure restoration in the area of Dishmook (Delafrooz mountainous) in Kohgiluyeh & Buyer Ahmad Province. For this purpose, plants were sampled in the restoration area and control sites. Random-systematic sampling was done in two range sites (the restoration area and control site) using 440 (2×2 m2) quadrates along 22 transects. Vegetation canopy cover percentage was recorded simultaneously in both range sites. Data were analyzed in the restoration area and control site to evaluate the response of individual species and functional groups. Also, multivariate analyses were applied to assess the response of plant communities. From the data, we found 15 common species, 21 species restricted to the restoration area and only 12 species restricted to the control site. 12 species and some functional groups significantly responded to the restoration project. The Restoration project produced greater species diversity and richness. CCA showed that species composition significantly changed due to the restoration operations and here greater effects were found on important species. This study showed that exclosure induced some positive changes in vegetation indices.