Qualitative and quantitative investigation of Juniperus-Cotoneaster forest reserve in Ooshan (Central Alborz, Iran)

Juniperus-Cotoneaster reserve of Ooshan located in central Alborz (north of Iran), is one of the Irano- Turanian forest stands which shows the characteristics of a semi-virgin ecosystem. Although the stand has registered as a "forest reserve" by Forest and Rangeland organization of Iran, some evidences of deforestation and changing the landuse are obvious. The aim of this research was identification and study of biologic and ecologic characteristics of the stand to provide the situation of subsequent studies as a first step for further investigations. Data obtained using stratification method by one strip transect in each stratum. After analysis of the data, structural and ecological characteristics and healthiness of the stand were considered. In this stand, Cotoneaster kotschyi is the dominant species with a frequency of 51%.Juniperus excelsa with a frequency of 10% and 6.5 meter height is the dominant species of the tree layer.According to the abundance of species, two forest types were distinguished in this stand: Cotoneaster kotschyi-Juniperus excelsa and Cotoneaster kotschyi-Cerasus microcarpa. Species in the tree storey were Juniperus excelsa, Lonicera nummularifolia, Pistacia atlantica and Celtis caucasica while species in shrub storey were Cotoneaster kotschyi, Cotoneaster nummularioides, Cerasus microcarpa, Rosa spp.,Rhamnus pallasii, Colutea persica and Berberis spp.. The structure of the stand is uneven-aged and irregular. Regeneration in the areas with closed canopy is 7 times more than the areas with sparse canopy. The healthiness of stand was considered by ranking to main 7 species.