Study on flora and biodiversity of Sorond-Ferdos area (Southern Khorasan

Abstract

In September 1375, when Dr. Javanshir visiting Shotor Kooh mountain in east of Tabas, the wicket of one of the villagers attracted his attention, it was from a tree called Sano Fraxinus rotundifolia) which never reported from this arid area. This species is exclusively located in the east of the country and only in this area. Therefore, in order to investigate the flora of this area in Sorond, located 20 km from Ferdows, this research was carried out. In this study, 15 plots were randomly selected at 10 × 10 m size and all species were identified. .After the identification and exact counting of plant species, biological form, their functional value (pharmaceutical and industrial) were also recorded. Also, Shannon-Warner, Simpson, and Margalf's indices were calculated. The results showed that there were 8 families with 18 species, 7 medicinal species, and the largest families were Asteraceae, (8 species), Fabaceae (3 species), Chenopodiaceae (2 species). Chamaephytes with 50% was the dominant life form in the region. Shannon-Weiner index was 1.88, the evenness index was 0.8 and Margalef index was 2.33. Regarding this, the region has a moderate status in terms of biodiversity and over-utilization of plants by humans and livestock in this area has reduced the diversity of species.