BIODIVERSITY OF WOODY SPECIES IN Acer platanoides SITES IN THE SHAFAROUD FORESTS, GILAN (IRAN)

In this research, biodiversity was investigated in the species diversity level. The objective of this research was to study of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides L.) dispersion and biodiversity of associated woody species in the Shafaroud forests, Gilan (IRAN). In this regard, a 0.5 ha lozenge sample plot was selected with considering presence of Norway Maple in each site. In each plot, geographic characteristics (i.e. slope, aspect and elevation) were documented, then diameter of breast height (dbh) of trees ≥10 cm were measured. Afterwards, within 0.5 ha plot three 100 m2 circular subplots were established for recording of saplings in diameter class 2-10 cm and 50 m2 circular subplot was located within each 100m2 subplot, for recording of seedlings in diameter class 2≥. In addition, type of woody species identified and documented. Shannon-Wiener's and Simpson's diversity indices were used for evaluating of woody species diversity, and also evenness and richness indices were calculated. Results showed that Shannon-Wiener's index in seedling layer had the highest value and in the tree layer had the least value. Simpson's index in trees layer had the highest value and in the sapling layer had the least value.