Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
Postdoctoral student, Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty, ‎University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
2
Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty, University of ‎Tehran, Karaj, Iran
10.22067/geoeh.2023.82599.1372
Abstract
Ecological connectivity function is one of the most important types of biological connections among natural ecosystems due to providing ecological connections. In the present study, using the landscape ecology approach, the function and landscape ecological connectivity was evaluated in the mangrove forests of Khamir-Qeshm. In this way, by identifying the ecological functions and prioritizing the barrier effect, the state of ecological continuity was discussed in this area from 1989-2021. The results demonstrated that the most dispersion of ecological functions can be seen in the bare land and the most barrier effect in the tidal area. According to the ecological functions and the existing barriers, most of the mangrove forests of Khamir-Qeshm are under the influence of ecological barriers, the reasons for which can be mentioned to the development of human activities, the reduction of forest lands, and the advancement of water body and tidal area in the region. The results indicate a decreasing trend in the function and ecological continuity of the area, and on the contrary, an increasing trend in the barriers effect. Therefore, ecological functions and continuity have a direct relationship with the density of mangrove forests, meaning that with the reduction of forest habitats under the influence of environmental and human hazards, the level of ecological function and continuity has also decreased. According to the results, the assessment of ecological function and continuity can provide the possibility of analyzing the principles of development activities to increase human well-being by maintaining habitat continuity and increasing the stability of ecosystems. Also, the results of this study, as a management solution, can help to protect and plan properly in line with human activities development, followed by environmental risks and consequences.
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