فهرست مطالب تورج مختارپور

Investigating the growth and ecological characteristics of trees through dendrochronology will provide essential messages for reconstructing climate models for the past and future. This research investigated the historical, ecological, and climatic characteristics of the Brant's oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces. A typical single-stem Q. brantii was selected and cut. Then, a disk sample was prepared. Dry weight and carbon content were measured using the combustion method. The number and width of the disc's annual rings were measured. In climate studies, temperature and precipitation anomalies were used. In addition to extracting all the morphological characteristics, this research showed that the amount of carbon stored in different organs increases with the woody tissue of the plant, and the amount of moisture in the plant organ decreases. The measurement of annual rings showed that the average growth diameter of the studied oak tree is 3.9 mm. The relationship between temperature anomaly and tree diameter growth data showed that the temperature variable has comprehensive control over the geographical distribution of the oak, and the Q. brantii has a more robust response to temperature instead of precipitation variables.

Crown canopy is a major structural characteristic of forest trees and is vital to their ecological function. The present study investigated tree crown changes in Marivan County coppice forests. This research was conducted in two forest areas, Garan and Doleh Naw. First, five trees were selected for each habitat. The crown of each tree was photographed in the four main geographical directions one meter from the tree trunk. It was done in September 2021 and 2022. Tree canopy measurement in each image was done using MIP Cloud4 student software. Paired t-test was used to compare tree canopy percentages in two imaging periods. According to the results, the canopy of trees in Garan and Dolah Naw habitats in 2022, compared to 2021, increased by 9.02% and 11.51%, respectively. Meanwhile, in the habitats of Garan and Dolah Naw, the highest increase and change in the tree crown was observed on the southern and eastern sides of the tree crown. Also, from 2021 to 2022, the weather conditions improved. Dolah-Naw habitat trees had slightly larger average parameters than the Garan habitat. Irrigation of degraded areas (with increasing tree crowning) is crucial for sustainable management due to the importance of tree crown canopy in forest stand functions.

Kelussia odoratissima is a valuable edible species endemic to the central Zagros highlands, recently introduced to science. It is valuable for its food importance. Although this plant was recently discovered, it has deep roots in the culture of the Bakhtiari people. From the past to the present, a substantial part of the local population's income is provided through it. In this paper, the conservation status of K. odoratissima is evaluated based on criterion B (geographical range) of the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. This study shows that this plant's status has reached an alarming level. It is now in the "Endangered/EN" category of the IUCN Red List. Even though a significant part of the distribution area of this plant is protected with the help of the local community and the country's Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, every year, illegal and official harvesting occurs in this area. Therefore, it is necessary to protect a part of its distribution range, including many other endemic species, in the form of an enclosure or protected habitat. Also, due to the complete isolation of the known populations of this plant, it is strongly recommended to keep the seeds of these populations in the Gene Bank of Natural Resources and the National Gene Bank of Iran. Therefore, considering the food and medicinal value of Kelussia odoratissima, there is great potential for its commercialization. Overall, it is essential to promote its cultivation in fields by the Research, Education, and Extension Organization. This is to support and protect it in its natural habitats. This will lead to the survival of this plant and a stable economic and currency source for the country.

Botanical exploration in 2022 in the province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, resulted in the collection of Dionysia bachtiarica, a narrow endemic species first collected in 1902 and described in 1905. This species has not been seen since 1903. Some morphological features were incompletely recorded, absent, or untrustworthy in earlier descriptions, due to limited herbarium material. In this study, new morphological data are provided based on analysis of live flowering and fruiting material, illustrated with photographs of the plant and its habitat, as well as line drawings. A full description of the species, its ecology, and phenology, as well as a key to all purple-flowered species in the Zagros Mountains, are provided. The possible relations of this enigmatic species are discussed. Due to its extremely limited known area of occurrence and a small number of individuals, it is considered to be Critically Endangered.

Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province is one of the rich biodiversity regions of Iran with remarkable climate diversity. Different types of ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, rivers, meadows, and alpine areas can be found in this small province. Mount Kallar is the third-highest mountain in this province. The special geographical location and biodiversity of this mountain have attracted many botanists and tourists. The life and survival of plants, animals, livelihoods, and food security of many people living in this area depend on this mountain. Numerous valleys, riparian zone, springs, wetlands, different altitudes, and different geological formations have caused a high diversity of plant species in the diverse habitats of this mountain. The percentage of endemism peaks in the subalpine and alpine zone, but these areas are rarely under protection in Iran. With its alpine areas and high species richness, this mountain is suitable option for an alpine protected area. This mountain is home to lots of species, some of which such as Hedysarum plumosum Boiss. & Hausskn., Clinopodium kallaricum (Jamzad) Bordbar and Dionysia bachtiarica Bornm. & Alex. have only been reported from this mountain. In addition, it is one of the settlements of brown bears and other large mammals in Iran. The most important factors that have caused threats to the ecosystems of this mountainous region include overgrazing, harvesting of plants, hunting, and land use change. It is necessary to protect this mountain by taking the necessary measures and increasing public awareness.