Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Khorramabad, Iran.
10.22091/ethc.2026.17456.1093
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the floristic composition, species diversity, and distribution patterns of plants in the Rimleh region, north of Khorramabad, in the Zagros Mountains, at elevations ranging from 1,450 to 2,300 m above sea level. Methods: Plant specimens were collected from March 2020 to November 2023 across an area of approximately 50 km². Species identification and taxonomic classification were conducted using conventional botanical methods. Data were analyzed using R software and the vegan package to examine species composition and patterns of plant distribution. Results: A total of 261 species belonging to 204 genera and 55 families were recorded. Asteraceae was the richest family, with 39 species, followed by Fabaceae (28 species) and Lamiaceae (18 species). Phytogeographical analysis indicated that 46% of the recorded species belonged to the Irano-Turanian region, while 19.5% were shared between the Irano-Turanian and Euro-Siberian regions. Hemicryptophytes were the dominant life form (39%), followed by therophytes (33.3%). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate considerable floristic richness in the Rimleh region and the predominance of the Irano-Turanian phytogeographical element. The altitudinal gradient may contribute to variations in species diversity and habitat differentiation. The presence of species associated with both Irano-Turanian and Euro-Siberian elements may reflect the influence of regional climatic and topographic conditions. Further statistical analysis incorporating environmental variables is needed to clarify the relative effects of altitude and climate on plant distribution.
Mehrnia, M., & Rastin, S. (2026). Assessment of Species Diversity and Plant Distribution Patterns in the Rimleh Region, Khorramabad, Using R and the vegan Package. Ethnobiology and Biodiversity Conservation, 3(2), 63-81. doi: 10.22091/ethc.2026.17456.1093
MLA
Mohamad Mehrnia; Samira Rastin. "Assessment of Species Diversity and Plant Distribution Patterns in the Rimleh Region, Khorramabad, Using R and the vegan Package". Ethnobiology and Biodiversity Conservation, 3, 2, 2026, 63-81. doi: 10.22091/ethc.2026.17456.1093
HARVARD
Mehrnia, M., Rastin, S. (2026). 'Assessment of Species Diversity and Plant Distribution Patterns in the Rimleh Region, Khorramabad, Using R and the vegan Package', Ethnobiology and Biodiversity Conservation, 3(2), pp. 63-81. doi: 10.22091/ethc.2026.17456.1093
VANCOUVER
Mehrnia, M., Rastin, S. Assessment of Species Diversity and Plant Distribution Patterns in the Rimleh Region, Khorramabad, Using R and the vegan Package. Ethnobiology and Biodiversity Conservation, 2026; 3(2): 63-81. doi: 10.22091/ethc.2026.17456.1093
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