ZAGROS MOUNTAIN VEGETATION

Zagros Forests cover a large part of Zagros Mountains. The Zagros Forests are 5500 years old. The dominant trees of these forests are oaks. Zagros Forests are divided into northern and southern parts. The Northern Zagros is the habitat of Quercus infectoria which in some parts is intermixed with Q. brantii and Q. libani. Southern Zagros is the habitat of Q. brantii. The oak forests do not regenerate; ninety percent of the forests are coppice. The Zagros vegetation in National Botanic Garden of Iran covers an area of 3 hectares and is a representative of Zagros Forests. Three artificial hills, the highest, ca. 10 m, have been built up. The three main Quercus species including Q. brantii, Q. infectoria and Q. libanii have been established in this forest and regenerate naturally. Furthermore, other tree and shrub species, i.e. Amygdalus, Pistacia, Crataegus, Pyrus, Sorbus, Daphne, Cotoneaster and Cercis have been panted. This forest is well established and protected and regenerates successfully. It is the hope for future of Zagros Forests which are in the risk of extinction. The offspring of oak trees which are produced in the garden may be transplanted to natural habitats in Zagros Forest to help their conservation.