Elevational gradient and vegetation‐environmental relationships in the central Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran

A study of the central Hyrcanian forests, a UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot along the southern Caspian Sea, reveals that elevation, annual precipitation, and mean temperature are the primary drivers of plant diversity and vegetation composition. Using 226 vegetation plots across two altitudinal transects (100–2000 m a.s.l.), researchers identified four distinct vegetation types through gradient analyses. While soil properties played a secondary role, topographic features like slope inclination and heat index significantly influenced floristic patterns within elevation zones. These findings provide critical insights for conservation and forest management in this unique ecosystem, characterized by its rich and diverse flora.

Moradi, H., Naqinezhad, A., Siadati, S., Yousefi, Y., Attar, F., Etemad, V., & Reif, A. (2016). Elevational gradient and vegetation‐environmental relationships in the central Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran. Nordic Journal of Botany, 34(1), 1–14. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/njb.00535