Classification of forest degradation based on Quantitative characteristics in Arasbabran forests (Kaleibarchay and Ilginechay whatersheds)

Arasbaran forests are one of the richest forest habitats in Iran, which their appearance, species composition, and structure have drastically changed because of human activities in the past few centuries. The present study aimed to investigate the different structures of forest stands that result from degradation and disturbance. The research data were collected from 148 established round sample plots of 3 ares in Kaleibarchay and Ilgenachay zones. Different defined groups were generated based on the basal area (m2/ha), density (trees/ha), highest tree, crown cover percentage, and the number of seedlings and coppice sprouts using hierarchical cluster analysis. A number of the cluster was assessed based on K- Means analysis. Then PCA was used to detect the most effective variables. The results of PCA showed that the first and second components explain 73.7% of the changes and basal area per ha and density per ha were the most effective factors in classification. Finally, the results revealed that 89.1% of grouped cases are correctly classified. Thus the area was divided into 5 classes, according to the degree of degradation which the first group with the best condition includes the succeeding stands towards climax communities, and the fifth group includes degraded forests. Based on these results, a decision can be made commensurate to the degradation stages and improvement can be achieved through proper planning.