Spatial Distribution Pattern of Certain Plant Species Use of Quadrate Indices in Ghamishloo National Park

Recognition of spatial distribution pattern of plants is useful in describing the ecosystem stability, designing management plans and protective rehabilitative measures. In order to determine the distribution pattern of certain plant species in Ghamishloo National Park, six safe regions were selected. Three hundred sixty quadrates with the size of 1×1 m2 were established by using random-systematic method along six transects and the number of individuals of each species was recorded. In this study, dispersion indices such as clustering, Green, Lloyd and Morisita were used. Since a large number of plants with different densities were selected, the results of indices showed that density had no effect on distribution pattern. The values of Green's index showed a pattern between random and non-random (clumped) distribution pattern. Therefore, it is recommended to use maximum clumped values to determine the exact type of distribution pattern. Among the study indices, no specified maximum value was defined for Lioyd and Morisita regarding the clumped pattern. For this purpose, two formulas were defined to determine the maximum clumping and the results of indices were interpreted according to these formula.