Hyrcanian forests: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Ecoregion in Iran}} |
{{Short description|Ecoregion in Iran}} |
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{{Distinguish|Hercynian Forest}} |
{{Distinguish|Hercynian Forest}} |
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{{More citations needed|article |date=October 2010}} |
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{{Infobox ecoregion |
{{Infobox ecoregion |
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| name = Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests |
| name = Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests |
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| image = 3615554 تصاویر هوایی جاده های پاییزی جنگل های هیرکانی.jpg |
| image = 3615554 تصاویر هوایی جاده های پاییزی جنگل های هیرکانی.jpg |
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| image_size = |
| image_size = |
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| image_alt = |
| image_alt = |
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| image_caption = Sisangan National Forest, Iran |
| image_caption = Sisangan National Forest, Mazandaran Iran |
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| map = File:Ecoregion PA0407.svg |
| map = File:Ecoregion PA0407.svg |
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| map_size = |
| map_size = |
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| map_alt = |
| map_alt = |
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| map_caption = |
| map_caption = Hyrcanian mixed forests (purple) |
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| country = |
| country = Iran |
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| country1 = |
| country1 = Azerbaijan |
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| border = [[Caspian lowland desert]] |
| border = [[Caspian lowland desert]] |
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| border1 = [[Kopet Dag semi-desert]] |
| border1 = [[Kopet Dag semi-desert]] |
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| border5 = [[Azerbaijan shrub desert and steppe]] |
| border5 = [[Azerbaijan shrub desert and steppe]] |
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| bird_species = 296<ref name = "Atlas"> |
| bird_species = 296<ref name = "Atlas"> |
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{{cite book |last1 |
{{cite book |last1=Hoekstra |first1=J. M. |last2=Molnar |first2=J. L. |last3=Jennings |first3=M. |last4=Revenga |first4=C. |last5=Spalding |first5=M. D. |last6=Boucher |first6=T. M. |last7=Robertson |first7=J. C. |last8=Heibel |first8=T. J. |last9=Ellison |first9=K. |title=The Atlas of Global Conservation: Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities to Make a Difference |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |editor1-last=Molnar |editor1-first=J. L. |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-520-26256-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/atlasofglobalcon0000unse |url-access=registration}}</ref> |
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| mammal_species = 98<ref name = "Atlas"/> |
| mammal_species = 98<ref name = "Atlas"/> |
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| habitat_loss = 51 |
| habitat_loss = 51 |
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| habitat_loss_ref = <ref name = "Atlas"/> |
| habitat_loss_ref = <ref name = "Atlas"/> |
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| protected = 10.30 |
| protected = 10.30 |
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| area = 55100 |
| area = 55100 |
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| biome = [[Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests]] |
| biome = [[Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests]] |
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| embedded = {{Infobox designation list | |
| embedded = {{Infobox designation list |
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|designation1 = WHS |
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|designation1_offname = Hyrcanian Forests |
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|designation1_date = [[List of World Heritage Sites by year of inscription#2019 (43rd session)|2019]] <small>(43rd [[World Heritage Committee|session]])</small> |
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|designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1584 1584] |
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|designation1_criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(ix)}}(ix) |
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|Year = 2019 |
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|area = 129,485 ha |
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|buffer_zone = 177,129 ha |
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|designation1_free1name = Region |
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|designation1_free1value = [[List of World Heritage Sites in Western Asia|Western Asia]], [[Caucasus]] |
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The '''Hyrcanian forests''' ({{lang-fa|جنگل های هیرکانی}}; {{lang-az|Hirkan meşələri}}) are a zone of lush lowland and montane forests covering about {{convert|55000|km2|mi2}} near the shores of the [[Caspian Sea]] in [[Iran]] and [[Azerbaijan]]. The forest is named after the ancient region of [[Hyrcania]]. The [[World Wide Fund for Nature]] refers to the [[ecoregion]] as the '''Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests'''. Since 5 July 2019, the Hyrcanian Forests have been designated a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/travel/98765/irans-hyrcanian-forests-added-to-unesco-world-heritage-list |title=Iran's Hyrcanian Forests Added to UNESCO World Heritage List |website=Financial Tribune |date=5 July 2019}}</ref> In September 2023, the heritage site expanded to incorporate portions of the forest located in Azerbaijan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1584 |title=Hyrcanian Forests |publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=17 September 2023}}</ref> |
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The '''Caspian Hyrcanian forests''' ({{lang-fa|جنگل های کاسپینی هیرکانی}}) are a zone of lush lowland and montane forests covering about {{convert|55000|km2|mi2}} adjoining the shores of the [[Caspian Sea]] of [[Iran]] and part of that of [[Azerbaijan]] which is home of [[talysh people]], [[gilkak people]] and [[mazandaranian]]. The forest is named after the ancient region of [[Hyrcania]]. In the [[World Wide Fund for Nature]] categorization, the [[ecoregion]] is referred to as the '''Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests'''. |
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Since 5 July 2019, the Hyrcanian Forests have been designated a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/travel/98765/irans-hyrcanian-forests-added-to-unesco-world-heritage-list|title=Iran's Hyrcanian Forests Added to UNESCO World Heritage List|website=Financial Tribune|date=5 July 2019}}</ref> |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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In Iran, the Hyrcanian ecoregion comprises a long strip along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and the northern slopes of the [[Alborz]] mountains. It covers parts of five provinces, from east to west: [[North Khorasan Province|North Khorasan]], [[Golestan Province|Golestan]] ({{convert|421373|ha|acre}} being its south and southwest plus eastern regions of the Gorgan plain), [[Mazandaran Province|Mazandaran]], [[Gilan Province|Gilan]] and [[Ardabil Province|Ardabil]]. |
In Iran, the Hyrcanian ecoregion comprises a long strip along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and the northern slopes of the [[Alborz]] mountains. It covers parts of five provinces, from east to west: [[North Khorasan Province|North Khorasan]], [[Golestan Province|Golestan]] ({{convert|421373|ha|acre|-3}} being its south and southwest plus eastern regions of the Gorgan plain), [[Mazandaran Province|Mazandaran]], [[Gilan Province|Gilan]] and [[Ardabil Province|Ardabil]]. |
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The [[Golestan National Park]] spans the boundary of Golestan and Mazandaran provinces. In the Mazandaran province, where the Hyrcanian forest is estimated at {{ |
The [[Golestan National Park]] spans the boundary of Golestan and Mazandaran provinces. In the Mazandaran province, where the Hyrcanian forest is estimated at {{cvt|965000|ha|mi2}}, {{cvt|487195|ha|mi2|0}} are used commercially, {{cvt|184000|ha|mi2}} are protected and the rest are regarded as forest lands or over-used forests. The total of the forest woods used in this province is estimated at {{convert|770551|m3|ft3|-2}}. The Kojoor, Dohezar and Sehezar forest watersheds are in Mazandaran province, [[Gilan province]] (these forests are graded from 1 to 3 with an area of {{cvt|107894|ha|mi2|0}}; {{cvt|182758|ha|mi2|0}} and {{cvt|211972|ha|mi2|0}}, respectively. The commercial utilization is {{cvt|184202|m3|ft3}} and the non-commercial utilization is {{cvt|126173|m3|ft3}}. The Masooleh, Ghaleh Roodkhan and Astara forest watersheds are in Gilan province) and [[Ardabil Province]]. At higher elevations to the south, the ecoregion grades into the [[Elburz Range forest steppe]]. |
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In southeastern [[Azerbaijan]] the ecoregion spans through the [[Lankaran Lowland]] and the [[Talysh Mountains]]. |
In southeastern [[Azerbaijan]] the ecoregion spans through the [[Lankaran Lowland]] and the [[Talysh Mountains]]. |
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The ecoregion's climate is [[humid subtropical]] at lower altitudes; at mid-altitudes it has [[oceanic climate|oceanic]] features, while in the mountains it is [[humid continental]]. Summer is a humid but low-precipitation season. Alborz is the highest mountain range in the Middle East and it captures, by [[relief precipitation]] and [[dew point]] mists, much of the evaporation of the southern Caspian Sea. Annual rainfall ranges from {{ |
The ecoregion's climate is [[humid subtropical]] at lower altitudes; at mid-altitudes it has [[oceanic climate|oceanic]] features, while in the mountains it is [[humid continental]]. Summer is a humid but low-precipitation season. Alborz is the highest mountain range in the Middle East and it captures, by [[relief precipitation]] and [[dew point]] mists, much of the evaporation of the southern Caspian Sea. Annual rainfall ranges from {{cvt|900|mm|in}} in the east to {{cvt|1600|mm|in}} in the west, making the forests much lusher than the desert, semi-desert, and steppe regions which it borders. |
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==Flora== |
==Flora== |
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The Caspian Sea coastal plains were once covered by chestnut-leaved oak (''[[Quercus castaneifolia]]''), European box (''[[Buxus sempervirens]]''), black alder (''[[Alnus glutinosa]] ''subsp.'' barbata''), Caucasian alder (''[[Alnus subcordata]]''), Caspian poplar (''[[Populus alba]]'' var. ''caspica'') and Caucasian wingnut (''[[Pterocarya fraxinifolia]]''), but these forests have been almost entirely converted to urban and agricultural land. (Mosadegh, 2000; Marvie Mohadjer, 2007) |
The Caspian Sea coastal plains were once covered by chestnut-leaved oak (''[[Quercus castaneifolia]]''), European box (''[[Buxus sempervirens]]''), black alder (''[[Alnus glutinosa]] ''subsp.'' barbata''), Caucasian alder (''[[Alnus subcordata]]''), Caspian poplar (''[[Populus alba]]'' var. ''caspica'') and Caucasian wingnut (''[[Pterocarya fraxinifolia]]''), but these forests have been almost entirely converted to urban and agricultural land. (Mosadegh, 2000; Marvie Mohadjer, 2007) |
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The lower slopes of [[Talysh Mountains|Talysh]] and Alborz Mountains below {{convert|700|m|ft}} harbor diverse humid forests containing chestnut-leaved oak, European hornbeam (''[[Carpinus betulus]]''), Persian ironwood (''[[Parrotia persica]]''), Caucasian zelkova (''[[Zelkova carpinifolia]]''), Persian silk tree (''[[Albizia julibrissin]]''), and date-plum (''[[Diospyros lotus]]'') along with shrubs holly (''[[Ilex |
The lower slopes of [[Talysh Mountains|Talysh]] and Alborz Mountains below {{convert|700|m|ft}} harbor diverse humid forests containing chestnut-leaved oak, European hornbeam (''[[Carpinus betulus]]''), Persian ironwood (''[[Parrotia persica]]''), Caucasian zelkova (''[[Zelkova carpinifolia]]''), Persian silk tree (''[[Albizia julibrissin]]''), and date-plum (''[[Diospyros lotus]]'') along with shrubs holly (''[[Ilex hyrcana]]''), ''[[Ruscus hyrcanus]]'', ''[[Danae racemosa]]'' and ''[[Atropa pallidiflora]]'',<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rechinger |first1=Karl Heinz |last2=Schönbeck-Temesy |first2=Eva |year=197 |chapter=Solanaceae |pages=100, 102 |title=Flora Iranica: Flora des iranischen Hochlandes und der umrahmenden Gebirge; Persien, Afghanistan, Teile von West-Pakistan, Nord-Iraq, Azerbaidjan, Turkmenistan |trans-title='Flora Iranica: Flora of the Iranian Highlands and the adjoining mountain ranges; Iran, Afghanistan, parts of Western Pakistan, Northern Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan' |language=de}}</ref> and lianas ''[[Smilax excelsa]]'' and ''[[Hedera pastuchovii]]''<ref name="WWF Full">{{WWF ecoregion|publisher=World Wildlife Fund|id=pa0407|name=Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests}}</ref> (Mosadegh, 2000; Marvie Mohadjer, 2007). Persian Ironwood is endemic to the Talysh Mountains and northern Iran and nearly pure stands of the tree can be particularly dramatic, with lichen-covered branches twisting together and only dead leaves in the deep shade of the forest floor. In addition, the ironwood's yellow leaves turn a faint lilac in the fall.<ref name="mobot Azerbaijan">{{cite web |publisher=Missouri Botanical Garden |url=http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/Research/russia/azerbaijan.shtml |title=Ornamental plants from Azerbaijan}}</ref> |
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At the medium elevations between {{convert|700|and|1500|m|ft| |
At the medium elevations between {{convert|700|and|1500|m|ft|-2}}, oriental beech is the dominant tree species in this cloudy zone in pure and mixed stands with other noble [[hardwood]]s such as chestnut-leaved oak, Caucasian oak (''[[Quercus macranthera]]''), European hornbeam (''[[Carpinus betulus]]''), Oriental hornbeam (''[[Carpinus orientalis|C. orientalis]]'') and sweet chestnut (''[[Castanea sativa]]'').<ref name="CEPF">{{cite web |publisher=Conservation International |url=http://www.cepf.net/xp/cepf/where_we_work/caucasus/full_strategy.xml |title=Ecosystem Profile: Caucasus |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725052824/http://www.cepf.net/xp/cepf/where_we_work/caucasus/full_strategy.xml |archive-date=2008-07-25}}</ref> From its floristic composition, these beech forests are linked with European forests and with affinities to the beech forests of the Balkans. However, local conditions of [[Aspect (geography)|aspect]] and [[edaphic]] factors, such as soil moisture and depth, are all of importance in determining the composition of the vegetation, which leads to the establishment of different beech subcommunities. (Mosadegh, 2000; Marvie Mohadjer, 2007) |
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Upper mountain and subalpine zones are characterized by Caucasian oak, Oriental hornbeam, [[shrubland]]s and [[steppe]]s. [[Alpine tundra]] and meadows occur at the highest elevations. |
Upper mountain and subalpine zones are characterized by Caucasian oak, Oriental hornbeam, [[shrubland]]s and [[steppe]]s. [[Alpine tundra]] and meadows occur at the highest elevations.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Plant diversity of Hyrcanian relict forests: An annotated checklist, chorology and threat categories of endemic and near endemic vascular plant species |date=2022 |last1=Ghorbanalizadeh |first1=Atefeh |last2=Akhani |first2=Hossein |journal=Plant Diversity |volume=44 |issue=1 |pages=39–69 |doi=10.1016/j.pld.2021.07.005 |pmid=35281126 |pmc=8897184 |bibcode=2022PlDiv..44...39G }}</ref> |
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Other native tree species include Caspian locust (''[[Gleditsia caspica]]''), velvet maple (''[[Acer velutinum]]''), Cappadocian maple (''[[Acer cappadocicum]]''), European ash (''[[Fraxinus excelsior]]''), Wych elm (''[[Ulmus glabra]]''), wild cherry (''[[Prunus avium]]''), wild service tree (''[[Sorbus torminalis]]'') and lime tree (''[[Tilia platyphyllos]]''). |
Other native tree species include Caspian locust (''[[Gleditsia caspica]]''), velvet maple (''[[Acer velutinum]]''), Cappadocian maple (''[[Acer cappadocicum]]''), European ash (''[[Fraxinus excelsior]]''), Wych elm (''[[Ulmus glabra]]''), wild cherry (''[[Prunus avium]]''), wild service tree (''[[Sorbus torminalis]]'') and lime tree (''[[Tilia platyphyllos]]''). |
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[[File:Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor).jpg|thumb|The [[Panthera pardus tulliana|Persian Leopard]], found mostly in Iran]] |
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==Fauna== |
==Fauna== |
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The [[Caspian tiger]] (''[[Panthera tigris tigris]]'') was once the apex predator of the biome before its extinction. The remaining large mammals include the Persian leopard (''[[Panthera pardus tulliana]]''), [[Eurasian lynx]] (''Lynx lynx''), [[brown bear]] (''Ursus arctos''), [[wild boar]] (''Sus scrofa''), [[wolf]] (''Canis lupus''), [[golden jackal]] (''Canis aureus''), [[jungle cat]] (''Felis chaus''), [[Caucasian badger]] (''Meles canescens''), and [[Eurasian otter]] (''Lutra lutra'').<ref name="WWF Full"/><ref name="Geptner1972">{{cite book |author1=Heptner, V. G. |author2=Sludskij, A. A. |orig-year=1972 |year=1992 |title=Mlekopitajuščie Sovetskogo Soiuza. Moskva: Vysšaia Škola |trans-title=Mammals of the Soviet Union. Volume II, Part 2. Carnivora (Hyaenas and Cats) |publisher=Smithsonian Institution and the National Science Foundation |location=Washington DC |url=https://archive.org/stream/mammalsofsov221992gept#page/83/mode/2up |pages=1–732}}</ref> |
The [[Caspian tiger]] (''[[Panthera tigris tigris]]'') was once the apex predator of the biome before its extinction. The remaining large mammals include the Persian/Caucasian leopard (''[[Panthera pardus tulliana]]''), [[Eurasian lynx]] (''Lynx lynx''), [[brown bear]] (''Ursus arctos''), [[wild boar]] (''Sus scrofa''), [[wolf]] (''Canis lupus''), [[golden jackal]] (''Canis aureus''), [[jungle cat]] (''Felis chaus''), [[Caucasian badger]] (''Meles canescens''), and [[Eurasian otter]] (''Lutra lutra'').<ref name="WWF Full"/><ref name="Geptner1972">{{cite book |author1=Heptner, V. G. |author2=Sludskij, A. A. |orig-year=1972 |year=1992 |title=Mlekopitajuščie Sovetskogo Soiuza. Moskva: Vysšaia Škola |trans-title=Mammals of the Soviet Union. Volume II, Part 2. Carnivora (Hyaenas and Cats) |publisher=Smithsonian Institution and the National Science Foundation |location=Washington DC |url=https://archive.org/stream/mammalsofsov221992gept#page/83/mode/2up |pages=1–732}}</ref> |
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This ecoregion is the main green resting area for birds migrating between central-northern [[Russia]] and [[Africa]] so a key habitat for many bird species. |
This ecoregion is the main green resting area for birds migrating between central-northern [[Russia]] and [[Africa]] so a key habitat for many bird species. Notable birds seen here are the greylag goose (''[[Anser anser]]''), white-fronted goose (''[[Anser albifrons]]''), Little bustard (''[[Tetrax tetrax]]''), glossy ibis (''[[Plegadis falcinellus]]''), Eurasian spoonbill (''[[Platalea leucorodia]]''), night heron (''[[Nycticorax nycticorax]]''), red-breasted goose (''[[Branta ruficollis]]''), peregrine falcon (''[[Falco peregrinus]]''), Dalmatian pelican (''[[Pelecanus crispus]]''), cattle egret (''[[Bubulcus ibis]]''), squacco heron (''[[Ardeola ralloides]]''), greater flamingo (''[[Phoenicopterus roseus]]''), white-headed duck (''[[Oxyura leucocephala]]''), and Caspian snowcock (''[[Tetraogallus caspius]]'').<ref name="WWF Full"/> |
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=== Endemic species === |
=== Endemic species === |
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[[File:Paradactylodon persicus02.jpg|thumb|An adult [[Persian brook salamander|Persian mountain salamander]], found only in the Hyrcanian forest region]] |
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The Hyrcanian forests are thought to have served as a [[Refugium (population biology)|refugium]] for certain species during changing climatic conditions. The [[Iranian edible dormouse]] (''Glis persicus'') is an [[Endemism|endemic]] of this ecoregion, and is thought to have evolved when mid-[[Miocene]] climatic change led to the fragmentation of the ancestral ''[[Glis (genus)|Glis]]'' population, with one such population fragment surviving in these forests and evolving into a new species.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal| |
The Hyrcanian forests are thought to have served as a [[Refugium (population biology)|refugium]] for certain species during changing climatic conditions. The [[Iranian edible dormouse]] (''Glis persicus'') is an [[Endemism|endemic]] of this ecoregion, and is thought to have evolved when mid-[[Miocene]] climatic change led to the fragmentation of the ancestral ''[[Glis (genus)|Glis]]'' population, with one such population fragment surviving in these forests and evolving into a new species.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Kryštufek |first1=Boris |last2=Naderi |first2=Morteza |last3=Janžekovič |first3=Franc |last4=Hutterer |first4=Rainer |last5=Bombek |first5=Dominik |last6=Mahmoudi |first6=Ahmad |date=2021-07-01 |title=A taxonomic revision of fat dormice, genus Glis (Rodentia) |journal=Mammalia |language=en |volume=85 |issue=4 |pages=362–378 |doi=10.1515/mammalia-2020-0161 |issn=1864-1547 |doi-access=free}}</ref> The bat ''[[Myotis hyrcanicus]]'' is likely also endemic to this region.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Yusefi |first1=Gholam Hosein |last2=Faizolahi |first2=Kaveh |last3=Darvish |first3=Jamshid |last4=Safi |first4=Kamran |last5=Brito |first5=José Carlos |date=2019-02-04 |title=The species diversity, distribution, and conservation status of the terrestrial mammals of Iran |journal=Journal of Mammalogy |volume=100 |issue=1 |pages=55–71 |doi=10.1093/jmammal/gyz002 |issn=0022-2372 |doi-access=free}}</ref> The region is also known to preserve a unique lineage of [[bicolored shrew]] (''Crocidura leucodon'') that diverged from the other lineages during the mid-[[Pleistocene]], about 1 million years ago.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Mahmoudi |first1=Ahmad |last2=Darvish |first2=Jamshid |last3=Siahsarvie |first3=Roohollah |last4=Dubey |first4=Sylvain |last5=Kryštufek |first5=Boris |date=2019-03-01 |title=Mitochondrial sequences retrieve an ancient lineage of Bicolored shrew in the Hyrcanian refugium |url=https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2018.06.006 |journal=Mammalian Biology |language=en |volume=95 |issue=1 |pages=160–163 |doi=10.1016/j.mambio.2018.06.006 |s2cid=90173552 |issn=1618-1476}}</ref> The [[Persian brook salamander|Persian mountain salamander]] (''Paradactylodon persicus'') is an aquatic salamander endemic to high rainfall regions of the Hyrcanian forest. It is primarily known from its aquatic larvae which live in permanent streams with forest cover. This is a very understudied species and very few adults have ever been found. It is under threat from habitat loss due to logging, agricultural development, and urban sprawl.<ref>{{Cite report |url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/2665/0 |title=Iranodon persicus: Papenfuss, T., Anderson, S., Kuzmin, S., Rastegar-Pouyani, N., Nilson, G. & Sharifi, M.: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2009: e.T2665A86081638 |last=IUCN |date=2008-12-14 |publisher=International Union for Conservation of Nature |doi=10.2305/iucn.uk.2009.rlts.t2665a9465867.en |access-date=30 November 2023 |language=en |doi-access=free}}</ref> |
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==Protected areas== |
==Protected areas== |
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The diversity and endemism of the species make the Caspian Hyrcanian forests a priority and unique feature for species conservation.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=World Wildlife Fund|url=http://www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld/profiles/g200/g078.html|title=Caucasus-Anatolian-Hyrcanian Temperate Forests}}</ref> |
The diversity and endemism of the species make the Caspian Hyrcanian forests a priority and unique feature for species conservation.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=World Wildlife Fund |url=http://www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld/profiles/g200/g078.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804002653/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld/profiles/g200/g078.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 4, 2009 |title=Caucasus-Anatolian-Hyrcanian Temperate Forests}}</ref> Habitats are threatened by conversion into tea, vegetable, fruit, and vine plantations, unsustainable forestry and poaching. |
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Protected areas in Azerbaijan include: |
Protected areas in Azerbaijan include: |
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* [[Selkeh Wildlife Refuge]] |
* [[Selkeh Wildlife Refuge]] |
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* [[Dashtenaz Wildlife Refuge]] |
* [[Dashtenaz Wildlife Refuge]] |
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==Gallery== |
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<gallery mode="packed"> |
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File:Crossing the Alborz Mountains on a private train (41141181750).jpg |
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File:Caspian Forests (207720547).jpeg |
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File:Sisangan National Forest.jpg |
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File:3615551 تصاویر هوایی جاده های پاییزی جنگل های هیرکانی.jpg |
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File:3615550 تصاویر هوایی جاده های پاییزی جنگل های هیرکانی.jpg |
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File:3615567 تصاویر هوایی جاده های پاییزی جنگل های هیرکانی.jpg |
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File:Light pollution impact over Mt. Damavand from Hyrcanian forest.jpg |
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File:هفت آبشار جنگلهای هیرکانی روستای تیرکن شهرستان بابل.jpg |
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</gallery> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons||Hyrcanian forests}} |
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*[https://archive.today/20130703233224/http://www.caspianenvironment.org/itcamp/iran2.htm Coastal Profiles - I.R.Iran] |
*[https://archive.today/20130703233224/http://www.caspianenvironment.org/itcamp/iran2.htm Coastal Profiles - I.R.Iran] |
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{{Clear}} |
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{{Paleartic temperate broadleaf and mixed forests}} |
{{Paleartic temperate broadleaf and mixed forests}} |
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{{World Heritage Sites in Iran}} |
{{World Heritage Sites in Iran}} |
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{{World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Caspian Hyrcanian Mixed Forests}} |
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Revision as of 00:32, 14 June 2024
Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests | |
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![]() Sisangan National Forest, Mazandaran Iran | |
![]() Hyrcanian mixed forests (purple) | |
Ecology | |
Biome | Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests |
Borders | |
Bird species | 296[1] |
Mammal species | 98[1] |
Geography | |
Area | 55,100 km2 (21,300 sq mi) |
Countries |
|
Conservation | |
Habitat loss | 51%[1] |
Protected | 10.30%[1] |
Official name | Hyrcanian Forests |
Criteria | Natural: (ix) |
Designated | 2019 (43rd session) |
Reference no. | 1584 |
Region | Western Asia, Caucasus |
The Hyrcanian forests (Persian: جنگل های هیرکانی; Azerbaijani: Hirkan meşələri) are a zone of lush lowland and montane forests covering about 55,000 square kilometres (21,000 sq mi) near the shores of the Caspian Sea in Iran and Azerbaijan. The forest is named after the ancient region of Hyrcania. The World Wide Fund for Nature refers to the ecoregion as the Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests. Since 5 July 2019, the Hyrcanian Forests have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[2] In September 2023, the heritage site expanded to incorporate portions of the forest located in Azerbaijan.[3]
Geography
In Iran, the Hyrcanian ecoregion comprises a long strip along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and the northern slopes of the Alborz mountains. It covers parts of five provinces, from east to west: North Khorasan, Golestan (421,373 hectares (1,041,000 acres) being its south and southwest plus eastern regions of the Gorgan plain), Mazandaran, Gilan and Ardabil.
The Golestan National Park spans the boundary of Golestan and Mazandaran provinces. In the Mazandaran province, where the Hyrcanian forest is estimated at 965,000 ha (3,730 sq mi), 487,195 ha (1,881 sq mi) are used commercially, 184,000 ha (710 sq mi) are protected and the rest are regarded as forest lands or over-used forests. The total of the forest woods used in this province is estimated at 770,551 cubic metres (27,211,800 cu ft). The Kojoor, Dohezar and Sehezar forest watersheds are in Mazandaran province, Gilan province (these forests are graded from 1 to 3 with an area of 107,894 ha (417 sq mi); 182,758 ha (706 sq mi) and 211,972 ha (818 sq mi), respectively. The commercial utilization is 184,202 m3 (6,505,000 cu ft) and the non-commercial utilization is 126,173 m3 (4,455,800 cu ft). The Masooleh, Ghaleh Roodkhan and Astara forest watersheds are in Gilan province) and Ardabil Province. At higher elevations to the south, the ecoregion grades into the Elburz Range forest steppe.
In southeastern Azerbaijan the ecoregion spans through the Lankaran Lowland and the Talysh Mountains.
The ecoregion's climate is humid subtropical at lower altitudes; at mid-altitudes it has oceanic features, while in the mountains it is humid continental. Summer is a humid but low-precipitation season. Alborz is the highest mountain range in the Middle East and it captures, by relief precipitation and dew point mists, much of the evaporation of the southern Caspian Sea. Annual rainfall ranges from 900 mm (35 in) in the east to 1,600 mm (63 in) in the west, making the forests much lusher than the desert, semi-desert, and steppe regions which it borders.
Flora
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Map_iran_biotopes_simplified-fr.png/200px-Map_iran_biotopes_simplified-fr.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Ghaleye_Rud_Khan_%2840%29_4.jpg/220px-Ghaleye_Rud_Khan_%2840%29_4.jpg)
The natural forest vegetation is temperate deciduous broadleaved forest. 32.7 percent of volume of Hyrcanian forest is of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis). A main feature of the region is the lack of conifers; only relics of coniferous species are present, which include European yew (Taxus baccata), junipers (Juniperus spp.), Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens var. horzontalis) and Chinese arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis).
The Caspian Sea coastal plains were once covered by chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia), European box (Buxus sempervirens), black alder (Alnus glutinosa subsp. barbata), Caucasian alder (Alnus subcordata), Caspian poplar (Populus alba var. caspica) and Caucasian wingnut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia), but these forests have been almost entirely converted to urban and agricultural land. (Mosadegh, 2000; Marvie Mohadjer, 2007)
The lower slopes of Talysh and Alborz Mountains below 700 metres (2,300 ft) harbor diverse humid forests containing chestnut-leaved oak, European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica), Caucasian zelkova (Zelkova carpinifolia), Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin), and date-plum (Diospyros lotus) along with shrubs holly (Ilex hyrcana), Ruscus hyrcanus, Danae racemosa and Atropa pallidiflora,[4] and lianas Smilax excelsa and Hedera pastuchovii[5] (Mosadegh, 2000; Marvie Mohadjer, 2007). Persian Ironwood is endemic to the Talysh Mountains and northern Iran and nearly pure stands of the tree can be particularly dramatic, with lichen-covered branches twisting together and only dead leaves in the deep shade of the forest floor. In addition, the ironwood's yellow leaves turn a faint lilac in the fall.[6]
At the medium elevations between 700 and 1,500 metres (2,300 and 4,900 ft), oriental beech is the dominant tree species in this cloudy zone in pure and mixed stands with other noble hardwoods such as chestnut-leaved oak, Caucasian oak (Quercus macranthera), European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Oriental hornbeam (C. orientalis) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa).[7] From its floristic composition, these beech forests are linked with European forests and with affinities to the beech forests of the Balkans. However, local conditions of aspect and edaphic factors, such as soil moisture and depth, are all of importance in determining the composition of the vegetation, which leads to the establishment of different beech subcommunities. (Mosadegh, 2000; Marvie Mohadjer, 2007)
Upper mountain and subalpine zones are characterized by Caucasian oak, Oriental hornbeam, shrublands and steppes. Alpine tundra and meadows occur at the highest elevations.[8]
Other native tree species include Caspian locust (Gleditsia caspica), velvet maple (Acer velutinum), Cappadocian maple (Acer cappadocicum), European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Wych elm (Ulmus glabra), wild cherry (Prunus avium), wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis) and lime tree (Tilia platyphyllos).
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Persian_Leopard_%28Panthera_pardus_saxicolor%29.jpg/220px-Persian_Leopard_%28Panthera_pardus_saxicolor%29.jpg)
Fauna
The Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) was once the apex predator of the biome before its extinction. The remaining large mammals include the Persian/Caucasian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), brown bear (Ursus arctos), wild boar (Sus scrofa), wolf (Canis lupus), golden jackal (Canis aureus), jungle cat (Felis chaus), Caucasian badger (Meles canescens), and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra).[5][9]
This ecoregion is the main green resting area for birds migrating between central-northern Russia and Africa so a key habitat for many bird species. Notable birds seen here are the greylag goose (Anser anser), white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons), Little bustard (Tetrax tetrax), glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Eurasian spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides), greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala), and Caspian snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius).[5]
Endemic species
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Paradactylodon_persicus02.jpg/220px-Paradactylodon_persicus02.jpg)
The Hyrcanian forests are thought to have served as a refugium for certain species during changing climatic conditions. The Iranian edible dormouse (Glis persicus) is an endemic of this ecoregion, and is thought to have evolved when mid-Miocene climatic change led to the fragmentation of the ancestral Glis population, with one such population fragment surviving in these forests and evolving into a new species.[10] The bat Myotis hyrcanicus is likely also endemic to this region.[11] The region is also known to preserve a unique lineage of bicolored shrew (Crocidura leucodon) that diverged from the other lineages during the mid-Pleistocene, about 1 million years ago.[12] The Persian mountain salamander (Paradactylodon persicus) is an aquatic salamander endemic to high rainfall regions of the Hyrcanian forest. It is primarily known from its aquatic larvae which live in permanent streams with forest cover. This is a very understudied species and very few adults have ever been found. It is under threat from habitat loss due to logging, agricultural development, and urban sprawl.[13]
Protected areas
The diversity and endemism of the species make the Caspian Hyrcanian forests a priority and unique feature for species conservation.[14] Habitats are threatened by conversion into tea, vegetable, fruit, and vine plantations, unsustainable forestry and poaching.
Protected areas in Azerbaijan include:
- Gizil-Agach State Reserve – 88.4 square kilometres (34.1 sq mi)
- Hirkan National Park - 427.97 square kilometres (165.24 sq mi)
Protected areas in Iran include:
- Golestan National Park
- Jahan Nama Protected Area
- Central Alborz Protected Area
- Lisar Protected Area
- Siah Keshim Protected Area
- Dodangeh Wildlife Refuge
- Neka Miankaleh Wildlife Refuge
- Selkeh Wildlife Refuge
- Dashtenaz Wildlife Refuge
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Hoekstra, J. M.; Molnar, J. L.; Jennings, M.; Revenga, C.; Spalding, M. D.; Boucher, T. M.; Robertson, J. C.; Heibel, T. J.; Ellison, K. (2010). Molnar, J. L. (ed.). The Atlas of Global Conservation: Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities to Make a Difference. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-26256-0.
- ^ "Iran's Hyrcanian Forests Added to UNESCO World Heritage List". Financial Tribune. 5 July 2019.
- ^ "Hyrcanian Forests". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
- ^ Rechinger, Karl Heinz; Schönbeck-Temesy, Eva (197). "Solanaceae". Flora Iranica: Flora des iranischen Hochlandes und der umrahmenden Gebirge; Persien, Afghanistan, Teile von West-Pakistan, Nord-Iraq, Azerbaidjan, Turkmenistan ['Flora Iranica: Flora of the Iranian Highlands and the adjoining mountain ranges; Iran, Afghanistan, parts of Western Pakistan, Northern Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan'] (in German). pp. 100, 102.
- ^ a b c "Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund.
- ^ "Ornamental plants from Azerbaijan". Missouri Botanical Garden.
- ^ "Ecosystem Profile: Caucasus". Conservation International. Archived from the original on 2008-07-25.
- ^ Ghorbanalizadeh, Atefeh; Akhani, Hossein (2022). "Plant diversity of Hyrcanian relict forests: An annotated checklist, chorology and threat categories of endemic and near endemic vascular plant species". Plant Diversity. 44 (1): 39–69. Bibcode:2022PlDiv..44...39G. doi:10.1016/j.pld.2021.07.005. PMC 8897184. PMID 35281126.
- ^ Heptner, V. G.; Sludskij, A. A. (1992) [1972]. Mlekopitajuščie Sovetskogo Soiuza. Moskva: Vysšaia Škola [Mammals of the Soviet Union. Volume II, Part 2. Carnivora (Hyaenas and Cats)]. Washington DC: Smithsonian Institution and the National Science Foundation. pp. 1–732.
- ^ Kryštufek, Boris; Naderi, Morteza; Janžekovič, Franc; Hutterer, Rainer; Bombek, Dominik; Mahmoudi, Ahmad (2021-07-01). "A taxonomic revision of fat dormice, genus Glis (Rodentia)". Mammalia. 85 (4): 362–378. doi:10.1515/mammalia-2020-0161. ISSN 1864-1547.
- ^ Yusefi, Gholam Hosein; Faizolahi, Kaveh; Darvish, Jamshid; Safi, Kamran; Brito, José Carlos (2019-02-04). "The species diversity, distribution, and conservation status of the terrestrial mammals of Iran". Journal of Mammalogy. 100 (1): 55–71. doi:10.1093/jmammal/gyz002. ISSN 0022-2372.
- ^ Mahmoudi, Ahmad; Darvish, Jamshid; Siahsarvie, Roohollah; Dubey, Sylvain; Kryštufek, Boris (2019-03-01). "Mitochondrial sequences retrieve an ancient lineage of Bicolored shrew in the Hyrcanian refugium". Mammalian Biology. 95 (1): 160–163. doi:10.1016/j.mambio.2018.06.006. ISSN 1618-1476. S2CID 90173552.
- ^ IUCN (2008-12-14). Iranodon persicus: Papenfuss, T., Anderson, S., Kuzmin, S., Rastegar-Pouyani, N., Nilson, G. & Sharifi, M.: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2009: e.T2665A86081638 (Report). International Union for Conservation of Nature. doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2009.rlts.t2665a9465867.en. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ "Caucasus-Anatolian-Hyrcanian Temperate Forests". World Wildlife Fund. Archived from the original on August 4, 2009.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Ecoregions of Azerbaijan
- Ecoregions of Iran
- Ecoregions of Asia
- Ecoregions of Europe
- Forests of Azerbaijan
- Forests of Iran
- Flora of Azerbaijan
- Flora of Iran
- Alborz (mountain range)
- Astara District
- Lankaran District
- Lerik District
- Masally District
- Yardimli District
- Geography of Gilan province
- Geography of Golestan province
- Geography of Mazandaran province
- Mountain ranges of Azerbaijan
- Mountain ranges of Iran
- Palearctic ecoregions
- Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests
- Temperate rainforests
- World Heritage Sites in Iran
- World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan