Distribution of Prosopis juliflora across the Sahara-Sindhian region of Hormozgan province, Iran

This study aimed to introduce and generate a distribution map of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) across the Sahara-Sindhian region of Hormozgan province. Mesquite distribution was determined in three stages: Collecting information from the General Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Hormozgan Province, conducting field visits, and digitizing polygons of mesquite distribution for mapping. During the field surveys, the geographical coordinates of the mesquite's natural presence and afforestation areas were recorded based on the elevation range. This plays a significant role in its distribution. The boundaries were identified on Google Earth images as polygons, and the area was calculated using ArcGIS Pro software. In Hormozgan province (Beshagard, Hajiabad, and Bastak), it is found as a single tree or scattered at low altitudes. Mesquite's total area of afforestation and natural forest (canopy cover higher than 5%) is 19275.34 and 18883.21 ha, respectively, accounting for 0.56 of the province's area. Also, mesquite is distributed as a single tree (canopy area lower than 5%) in 48.64 percent of Hormozgan province. The largest afforestation area for mesquite is in Jask City (for stabilizing flowing sand). Mesquite is naturally found in Jask, Sirik, Minab, Banda Abbas, Parisian, Khamir, Bander-e-Lengeh, and Gheshm, respectively. Vast mesquite areas in this province indicate favorable conditions for species regeneration and growth. According to the easy regeneration and fast distribution of P. juliflora in Hormozgan province, it is suggested that native species be used in afforestation.