Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Fars Research and Education Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization of Iran. Shiraz. Iran
2 Department of watershed management. Fars Research and Education Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization of Iran
3 Fars Research and Education Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization of Iran
Abstract
Identifying the different habitats in wetlands is essential for its protection. This research was carried out with the aim of classifying habitat areas of Maharlu wetland in Fars province using MedWet, Mediterranean Wetland Habitat Classification System. Information on dominant vegetation cover, soil, and hydrology of the wetland were prepared using field surveys and integrated with previous sources. The data of water regime were obtained with quarterly satellite images 2016-2019 in remote sensing media using ArcGIS. Sampling were performed for wetland plants and lake bed outcrops from 39 stations in May 2020. Plants were identified and classified on the basis of being annual or perennial presence, and submerged or floating. By stacking this information in ILWIS, different habitat zones were separated. Each was then specified using habitat international standard codes, and habitat maps were prepared. In total, 42 habitats were identified in Maharlu wetland. The most prevalent habitats were palustrine–emergent–persistent–seasonally flooded–Mixosaline– (P-EPSX-) (14,797,300 m2), palustrine–emergent–persistent–temporarily flooded– Mixosaline (P-EPSX-) (296,600 m2), lacustrine–littoral–emergent–persistent–seasonally flooded–mixosaline– (LLEPSX) (2,079,900 m2), and lacustrine–littoral–emergent–persistent–Semipermanently flooded–mixosaline– (LLEPLX-) (493,000 m2). Results of this research in recognizing habitats is useful for protection of ecosystem sections, especially plant communities.
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