Impact of canopy gaps size on woody species biodiversity in mountainous forests of northern Iran (Case study: beech stands of Lalis, Chalous)

In temperate forests, disturbances are regarded as processes of great importance to forest vegetation. For the better perception of biodiversity, different indices were used in mountain forests of Lalis located in Chalous. Line transect method used for sampling, and plant abundances were recorded, as well. Forest gaps areas were divided into four classes including smaller than 200 m2, 200 - 400 m2, 400 - 600 m2 and larger than 600 m2 areas. In order to analyze of biodiversity, Simpson, Shannon and Wiener, Margalef, Menhenick, Peet and Camargo indices were used. Using analysis of variance, statistical difference between biodiversity indices in respect to gap sizes was found. The maximum and minimum of divers species and richness species indices were related to very large and small gaps, respectively. The highest evenness indices were related to medium and large gaps, whereas the least of evenness indices were related to small and very large gaps.