Patterns of density and structure of natural populations of Taxus baccata in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran

European yew (Taxus baccata) populations in Iran's Hyrcanian forests exhibit similar structural patterns across two reserves despite varying elevations and slopes. Analysis of diameter distributions revealed no significant differences between Gazou and Afratakhteh, with the highest tree densities found in specific height classes (12–16 m in Afratakhteh and 18–24 m in Gazou). Static life tables highlighted critical mortality in early age classes, suggesting that targeted management—such as thinning and selective removal of competing vegetation—could enhance survival rates. These findings underscore the importance of proactive conservation strategies to sustain this ecologically and economically valuable Tertiary relict species.

Ahmadi, K., Jalil Alavi, S., Zahedi Amiri, G., Mohsen Hosseini, S., Serra‐Diaz, J. M., & Svenning, J.-C. (2020). Patterns of density and structure of natural populations of Taxus baccata in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. Nordic Journal of Botany, 38(3). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/njb.02598