Journal of Rangeland

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This study aimed to investigate the effects of beneficiaries' social condition on ecological sustainability of allotments, utilized by Shahsavan nomads in summer rangelands of Sabalan Mountain, Ardabil province. Random sampling method was used to collect data from 58 beneficiaries based on Cochran's formula. The collected social data were age, utilization history, educational status and the number of persons that their expenditures are covered by one beneficiary. Ten indicators were selected to evaluate the ecological sustainability in the study area. According to the results, there was no significant relationship between educational status and sustainability index because the majority of the people (82%) had low or no education background. According to the results, there were significant relationships between family members and experience of herd management with sustainability index (p ˂ 0. 01). ANOVA test showed that there were significant differences between the sustainability of range allotments and the utilization history (F= 13.27 and p≤0.001). This study revealed that more range sustainability can be achieved in range allotments with longer utilization history.

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The objective of this study was to investigate the response of Bromus tomentellus species to some environmental variable using HOF function in Galandrood watershed rangeands - Mazandaran province. Randomized-systematic approach was used to collect environmental data such as elevation, slope, aspect and the frequency of B. tomentellus in 153 quadrates of 1m² was measured. Soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm in each quadrate and their pH, N, EC, organic carbon, sand, silt and clay percentages were measured. HOF with binomial distribution function was used to produce response curve of the species against environmental variables, and identify the ecological optimum of the species. The data was analysed by R_ver.3.0.2 computer porgramme. The results showed that B. tomentellus occurs in the areas with elevation range of 2125 to 2975m. According to the respose curve of the species, B. tomentellus frequency had monotonically decreasing trends to clay, silt, aspect and pH, but its frequency against organic carbon, sand and N had monotonically increasing trend. Although the species frequency had an increasing threshold behavior against elevation and slope, it had decreasing threshold behavior to precipitation and temperature variables. Elevation was identified as the most important variable affecting B. tomentellus occurrence in the study area as it affects most ecological parameters.
 

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The importance of rangelands in feeding livestock and natural ecosystem conservation is undeniable. Participation is a key of success in rangeland restoration programs due to the size of rangelands and its labor requirements in such programs. Effective participation is impossible without social capital. Systematic random sampling method was used to collect questioners from 67 ranchers in Choghakadou rangeland- Sarpolzohab to evaluate the effects of social capital on the participation of ranchers in rangeland restoration programs. Various analytical methods such as descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation, multiple regression and path analysis were used to analyze the data. Seven influential factors on participation including interpersonal trust, generalized trust, institutional trust, social security, social relations, social cohesion and social responsibility represents 77 percent of ranchers contribution in rangeland rehabilitation and restoration plans. Path analysis revealed that institutional confidence and social relations indices had the most direct and indirect effects on participation status respectively. Interpersonal trust index and social responsibility were identified as the most and least important factors affecting rancher’s participation in rangeland restoration programs respectively. Overall, the results of this study indicated that improving social capital indicators facilitate participation of stockholders in rangelands rehabilitation and restoration plans.
 

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Evaluating the effectiveness of implemented range management plans is highly required to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the plans and improve their effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate range management plans, conducted in summer rangelands of Sajadrud –Mazandaran province in 2016. This study was conducted based on quantitative and qualitative approaches in 6 range sites with and without a range management plan. The questionnaire was used for evaluating range management plans and their financial assessment based on ranchers point of views. We also evaluate the effects of these plans on forage production and vegetation cover in the sites. Results indicated that vegetation cover and forage production in the sites with range management plans increased  10.9 and  26.1 respectively compared to the sites with no plans. Average profit per livestock for ranchers in range sites with and without the project plans were 29470 and 22130 Rials respectively. Ranchers believed that range management plans increased their income considerably. Low awareness of the ranchers about the objectives of the plan, range sites with multiple users, lack of sufficient training before and after implementation of rangeland plans, and rancher’s insufficient knowledge are among the reasons that the ranchers get disappointed from implementation and protection of the plan. The range management plans can only be successful if we give the managers the ability to use a holistic management approach with consideration of all rangeland potential.

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Monitoring and assessment of restoration projects could determine the vegetation dynamic and the success rate of he the project. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Prangos ferulacea pit-seeding on species composition and species richness and diversity in Dalvara and Kalvary in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in two different years. Cover percentage of the species and also the density and biomass of P. ferulacea were measured in two treated sites (one in 2007 and another in 2011) and one control site (no treatment). Results showed that the cover and density of P. ferulacea was significantly greater in the sites treated in 2007 than the sites treated in 2011. Also, six years after the treated site of 2007, the biomass of P. ferulacea was twice than that of 2011. A total of 71 species were recorded of which 39 species were common among the two sites. The cover percentage of 14 species significantly reduced in the treated sites. Chardinia orientalis, Hordeum bulbosum, Taeniatherum crinitum, and Tragopogon longirostris showed a significant increase in 2007 while they reduced significantly four years later. The cover percentage of grasses were decreased by 80 percent due to P. ferulacea pit-seeding in 2011. Although similar annual species were found in the treated and the control site, their cover percentage was reduced significantly in the treated site due to a dense stand of P. ferulacea. The species richness and diversity were reduced under P. ferulacea pit-seeding. These indices also showed a significant negative correlation with cover percentage of P. ferulacea. The result showed that this project increased forage production but the effects of P. ferulacea on vegetation characteristics varied considerably based on the time laps of post-pit-seeding.
 

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Creation of a side-by-side and consolidated economic activities will improve the livelihoods and economic status of the tribes. Development of Ecotourism could be a response to this need of nomads. This research was conducted in the central Lar region of Alborz mountains. Comparing and prioritizing of nomadic tourism on the indicators of sustainable livelihoods of local communities was the main focus of the study. AHP method was used to question priorities and importance of the indicators. Experienced experts and local people were used to fill in the questioners on sustainable livelihoods influenced by indigenous development in nomadic areas. Also, after prioritizing sustainability criteria and indicators, to compare the average rating of the priorities, mean difference test is used. The results showed that from the expert’s point of view nature and ecological capital with the final weight of 0.35 are most important elements while local users believe that economic investment with the final weight of 0.39 will mostly affected by the development of nomadic tourism. Ranking of indicators show that development of nomadic tourism is at the top and other criteria are in the next rank. Also, the results showed that for 14 indices i.e. environmental pollution, wildlife presence, plant species diversity, tribes trust each other, women's presence and role, employment level, variety of manufactured products, creating marketplaces and access to electricity and telephone, there is significant disagreements. It could be concluded that prior to development of ecotourism in the region, infrastructure’s by economic and cultural means should be built.

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The present study examined impacts of climate change on the phenology and productivity data using remote sensing in Tehran province. Long-term changes in growing season in Tehran province from 2000 to 2014 were obtained from NDVI MODIS data. To generate and extract the phenological parameters TIMESAT software was used, and the time series was analyzed by TERRSET software (Earth Trend Modeler). Also, the correlation between the phenological curves, temperature and precipitation was investigated. The results of this assessment showed that in the northern part of Tehran, the beginning of the growing season of the plants occurred later than the other parts and the length of the growing season decreased. In the north of the province, especially in the northeastern part, there was a significant increase in the NDVI maximum value, and then this led to an increase in plant production parameters in this section. However, the southern part, especially in the southwest the beginning of the growing season of the plants occurred earlier and there is an increase in the length of the growing season. The results showed that in areas where non-climatic factors are cause of the vegetation change, no significant relationship between vegetation and climate parameters could be found by application of NDVI. As we approach the human setellments with more populations and tensions, the relationship between rainfall and vegetation decreases. This may be the impact of human activities.

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Determination of the environment factors affecting the ecological distribution of Salvia hydrangea DC. ex Benth is important especially in protected region of Tang-e-sayad, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari Province, Iran. The plant is a medicinal and aromatic plant that could be found on natural high lands of the province. Random- systematic method was used for sampling in the areas with and without the species. At each sampling point, elevation, aspect and slope plus canopy cover were recorded. In each plant populations, 2-3 soil sampling were taken from two depths of 0-15 and 15-30 cm. in the Lab., soil physiochemical characteristics were measured. Independent sample t test, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Discriminate Analysis (DA) were used to analyze the data. Results of PCA analysis showed that slope; calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE); phosphorous; apparent mass; gravel of first and second depth; electrical conductivity and potassium of the first depth were the most influential variables on presence/absence of the species. The effect of phosphorous and calcium carbonate equivalent, apparent mass, pH, organic carbon and potassium of second depth was outstanding factors for the presence of the species. For the first depth however, the organic carbon, potassium and gravel and heat load index were the most important factors using discriminate analysis. Results also indicated that S.hydrangea prefers to grow on  high slopes habitats (about 40%), soils without salinity and alkalinity, light texture and phosphorous about 11 and 6 ppm in the first and second depth of soil respectively. The results of this research could be used as a guideline for cultivate and well management of the species in rangelands with similar ecological conditions.

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Stipa hohenackeriana in terms of forage production and soil protection is especially important. In this study, was predicted the potential effects of climate change on the future geography distribution of this species in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province located in Central Zagros region. To do this, 122 species presence point of this species is collected by GPS, along with 9 environmental variables including bioclimatic, physiographic and land cover/land use variables were used. Ensemble methods were used to predict S. hohenackeriana distribution including the Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Generalized Boosting Method (GBM), Flexible Discriminant Analysis (FDA), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) and Random Forest (RF). The future projections were made for both year 2050 and 2070 with four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) scenario (2.6, 4.5, 6 and 8.5) and general circulation model MRI-CGCM3. Our findings show that estimated suitable habitats of the species covers about 22.37% of the study area for the S. hohenackeriana. The mean temperature of the wettest quarter, Precipitation Seasonality and Isothermality had the greatest effects on the species’ distribution in the study area. Due to climate change, the least and most decline of suitable habitats of 18.72% (RCP2.6) to 42.87% (RCP8.5) may occur by 2050 and 2070, respectively. Based on the assessments, Random Forest was determined to be the most reliable model among the seven models studied. The region mapped in the study as suitable habitats’ for the species could be effective for the re-establishment and re-introduction of S. hohenackeriana species.

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Traditional animal husbandry is one of the main livelihoods of the villagers. Due to the current lack of profitability of animal husbandry in steppe, arid and desert rangelands, the villagers were reluctant to keep it healthy and graze livestock in an appropriate manner. Consequently destruction of rangelands and reduction of activities put the rangelands in recession. So, the goal of this research is analysis of factors affecting livestock recession in terms of economic, social, managerial and ecological factors, in Yazd steppe rangelands using the experts points of views. The statistical population of the research consists of a total of 40 professionals, natural resources experts, faculty members of the university, the agricultural research and training center of the province and experienced range managers. Using Expert Choice software and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the final weight of the main factors and sub-criteria were identified and ranked. Among the studied factors, livestock income of economic index, the tendency of young people to non-agricultural occupations from social index, forage shortages due to overgrazing from management index and drought item of ecological index having weights of 0.041, 0.43, 0.029 and 0.118 respectively and are the most important indicators affecting the recession of traditional animal husbandry. Results suggests: providing low interest’s loan, job creation in other non-agricultural sectors , allocation of subsidies to livestock products and extensive advertising for selling organic animal products.

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The present study was undertaken to determine the physicochemical and palynological characteristics of 18 honey samples from three areas in West Azerbaijan province. Sample preparation for palynological and physicochemical analyses was carried out at the University of Gӧttingen and QSI (Bremen), Germany, respectively. Honey samples were compared in terms of electrical conductivity, proline, HMF, diastase activity and major sugar composition. No significant differences in physicochemical parameters were observed in the samples. Based on a descriptive statistic, more than half of the pollen required for honey production in all three sampling areas were collected by bees merely from two genera, i.e. Astragalus and Plantago.  About 50 percent of nectar was collected by bees from Astragalus. The results of cluster analysis of the pollen spectra in the honey samples showed that all but one honey sample from Marmishou could be separated based on their pollen content. This study showed that the pollen content in honey reflects the plant diversity in any given area. As rangeland vegetation, particularly Astragalus species, have played a considerable role in honey production in the whole study area, the preservation of rangeland ecosystems is of crucial importance for development of beekeeping industry and rural production.

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Seed dispersal by large herbivores (Endozoochory) provides a possible aid for ecological restoration of plant communities. In order to investigate the potential of Endozoochory in domestic (Ovis aries and Capra aegagrus hircus) and wild (Ovis orientalis and Capra aegagrus) herbivores under different managements tacktic, eight sites in Tang e Sayad region of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province were selected (National Park, Protected area and Free grazing). From July to October 2016, dung samples of wild and domesticate herbivores were collected in four stages. Dung samples were stored for 72 hours at 4 °C, and then 250 gr of them were kept on the surface of the each trays in the greenhouse until full germination of the seeds. The results showed that 1732 seeds identified in 54 cultivated trays belonged to 28 species. In August and September, the highest and lowest number of seeds were observed in dung. Transferred species in National Park with 26 species were more than other regions. Wild goats (39.6) compared to wild sheeps (36.9) and domestic (20.1) transferred more seeds. DCA indicated dissimilarity behavior among herbivores, differences in species composition of seeds identified in dung samples of each herbivore and seed composition transferred between management zones. If the management of protected areas is aimed at development of plant communities and the dynamics of rangeland ecosystems, the transfer of plant seeds by domestic and wild livestock should be considered as an important factor in the plant distribution.

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Carbon sequestration was monitored and predicted in rangeland ecosystems of Noorrud watershed. For this purpose, the land cover status of the years 1988, 1998, 2008 and 2018 were investigated on the basis of Landsat satellite images. Rangelands were segmented on the basisi of distinguished vegetation cover. Field sampling method was used for rangelands. For other land uses however, the default data of the International Climate Change Committee (IPCC) were used. Sampling points were marked on the maps and by designing a systematic-random sampling system, three 100m long transects were established on each already marked sampling area. Ten plots were put alongside of the each transect. In each plot, the percentage of vegetation cover and its biomass was estimated. To measure soil carbon at each sampling points, a soil profile was dug and soil samples were taken from a depth of 0 to 30 cm. samples dried in the open air and transported to the laboratory to determine carbon sequestration by walk-block method. By using the IDRISI Terrset software carbon sequestration measured based on ton per hectar and their distribution were mapped for each year. The results showed in the best rangelands S1 the land have decreased by 10374 hectares and in the poor ragelands S3 it have declined by 3.10253 hectares. On the otherside the lands classified as medium (S2) had an increasing trend (10758 hectares). Also, the amount of carbon in good, medium and poor rangelands is 111.45, 81.63 and 50.39 tons per hectare, respectively. The results also showed that carbon sequestration has been decreasing in the course of the study. So that its amount decreased from 9905729 tons in the whole area in 1988 to 8860803 tons in 2018. Meanwhile, the highest rate of decrease was related to the period 2008 to 2018 (562125 tons).

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Drought as a complex ecosystem crisis can affect vegetation density and health. Iran with an arid and semi-arid climate is exposed to this phenomenon. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effect of drought on vegetation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of meteorological drought on vegetation dynamics in Iran. In this regard, using MATLAB software, SPEI index with time scales of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months years was calculated and zoned for 99 meteorological stations with a statistical length of 30 years in Arc GIS software. In the next step, the highest value of EVI index per month was obtained from MOD13Q1 MODIS sensor product for the period 2001-2019. Then, using Terrset software, the correlation and slope of EVI index changes were calculated based on SPEI index changes. The results showed that in 18.46, 22.63, 30.77, and 28.14% of the total area of Iran, the SPEI of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months have the highest correlation with vegetation, respectively. The results of linear regression analysis showed that in Lut plain and the heights of Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges, the sensitivity of vegetation to meteorological drought is much lower and the slope of the line has been negative. While the central, southwestern, southeastern, and coastal areas of the Persian Gulf have a positive line slope and vegetation has shown great sensitivity to meteorological drought. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that climatic conditions, topography, type of vegetation, geographical location, and human management are effective in determining the relationship between the two indicators of vegetation and drought. As a result, it is suggested that in future studies on the effect of climate change on vegetation, factors such as topography, land use, etc. should be considered in the modeling.

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Background: Rangelands and forest lands are crucial components of natural resources, and their preservation is essential for the survival of human societies. The improper use of land can lead to the devaluation and destruction of these resources, resulting in a decrease in the income of users. Hence, sustainable development and optimal use of natural resources are necessary for future generations. This study aims to develop an optimal utilization model that considers income maximization in rangelands in North Khorasan province.
Methodology: The study was conducted in Dasht rangelands of Garmeh city in North Khorasan province. The required information was collected through face-to-face interviews with beneficiaries, and several representative beneficiaries were selected based on their available capital. The optimal combination of income sources for each representative was determined using a linear programming model. The planning model used in this study was a linear programming model that considered three decision variables related to the share allocated to each utilization (livestock grazing, apiculture, and medicinal plant breeding). The restrictions included capital, labor, and water. The goal was to maximize the household's net income. The model was solved using LINDO software, and linear programming patterns were implemented for all representative beneficiaries of Dasht rangelands.
Results: The optimal patterns of utilization showed an increase in apiculture activity and a decrease in livestock grazing compared to the current patterns used by the representative beneficiaries. The efficiency of the optimal model increased by a significant percentage compared to the current model for all representative beneficiaries. The results indicated that apiculture activity provided the highest profit for all representative beneficiaries.
Conclusion:The study concluded that optimal utilization of rangelands and its optimization are crucial for income maximization. The results showed that apiculture activity should be considered as a significant income source. The study highlights the importance of sustainable development and optimal use of natural resources without damaging them for future generations.
 

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Background and objective: Ecotourism in addition to creating employment and increasing income prevents the outflow of human and material capital from rural areas; which, of course, has positive and negative effects. Then, according many limitations and problems in the study area, including the lack of effective employment opportunities, high unemployment and low incomes, the study of socio-economic effects of ecotourism as the most important dimension of the effects of ecotourism can take an effective step in solving these problems. So, the purpose of this study is to investigate the direct and indirect positive or negative socio-economic and environmental effects of ecotourism on local communities.
Methodology: The study area is a mountainous watershed, called Balade-Nour, located in the Mazandaran Province, Nour city and in 55 kilometers from the main road of Haraz (Amol-Tehran). The summer grazing lands rangelands of this area are based on communally-council ownership. The research method is based on descriptive-analytical method. Survey data is collected from the sample heads of households and the Islamic Council of the villages. The pre-test questionnaire was used and the reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) was calculated. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by consulting professors and experts. The main variables were determined and the final questionnaires were completed by 214 people of local communities and 9 villages by random sampling method. In these questionnaires, various variables were examined, including socio-economic characteristics of the pastoralists, technical characteristics of the rangelands and other related questions affecting the empowerment of local communities using path way analysis method. Path analysis method is commonly used in investigating the direct and indirect effects of independent variables on the dependent variable. In order to investigate the relationships between the latent variables of the research on each other, the structural equation modeling method has been used.
Results: The results showed that the highest frequency (49.2%) of stakeholders had 50-75 years old. Most respondents (81.8%) had undergraduate degree (ill educated and illetrate). The lowest frequency (0.5%) belonged to people with master's degree or higher. Independent variables explained about 69% of the total variance of ecotourism effects. The sum of direct and indirect effects of social (0.43) and economic (0.37) indicators were the most influential positive factors on the evaluation of ecotourism effects, respectively. Then, work experience, income, and environmental factors had a negative impact on local communities, respectively. Therefore, the social factor as the most important and influential variable of the structural model of analysis both in terms of quantity and in terms of paths of influence reflects the good feeling of the local community about the arrival of tourists and the formation of social connections between people. In addition, have a good effect on the economic situation of the region, especially solving the problem of seasonal unemployment. Hence the social effects and consequently the positive effects that ecotourism has on the livelihood diversity of local communities is so effective that it increases the participation and social cohesion of individuals to work together for the benefit of ecotourism.
Conclusion: According to the results, social index are the main necessary factor causes empowerment the local communities of the studied region. Improving the quality of life, increasing public awareness of the value of rangelands, increasing familiarity with social rights and interest in ancient cultures and traditions, more village fame, encourage and develop people's cultural and social participation, disseminate and strengthen indigenous and local culture, reduce migration, creating opportunities for rural women to work in side jobs, familiarity of tourists and local people with different types of cultural tourism are operational and scientific solutions to encourage ranchers to provide more participation.

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Background and objectives: This study explores the components of good governance in the management of rangelands in Iran, as perceived by natural resources experts. The quality of governance significantly influences the success of executive programs related to the protection and management of natural resources, especially rangelands. Assessing the indicators of good governance in rangeland management is crucial for achieving goals such as increased livestock production and enhancing economic efficiency. The study aims to identify the main components of good governance and assess their impact on rangeland management projects.
Methodology: Utilizing a descriptive (non-experimental) and correlational approach, this research employed structural equation modeling to analyze the relationships between variables. A questionnaire, validated through expert opinion, assessed the perspectives of 70 experts across 19 provinces in Iran. Six independent variables (participation, accountability, responsibility, law-oriented and justice, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness) were investigated concerning their impact on rangeland restoration and management projects.
Results: The findings reveal that respondents considered responsibility, participation, law-oriented and justice, transparency, and efficiency and effectiveness as significant factors affecting the success of rangeland restoration and management projects. The results indicate that the responsiveness factor was perceived as the most crucial, followed by participation, responsibility, law-oriented and justice, transparency, and efficiency and effectiveness. The coefficient of explanation (R²) demonstrated that these components collectively explained a substantial percentage of the variance in rangeland restoration and management projects.
Conclusion: The study concludes that transparency, responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness play pivotal roles in the success of rangeland restoration and management projects. A commitment to transparency in implementation, efficiency in performance, accountability for actions, and user participation in decision-making processes are essential for effective governance. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners involved in rangeland management in Iran.
 

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Background and objectives: Primary Net Production (NPP) is a crucial component of the carbon cycle, key to carbon storage and evaluating ecosystem functions. Rainfall and temperature are essential elements in studying climatic stability in any region. Understanding temporal and spatial changes in NPP and its interaction with various climatic factors over the past decades has been central to global change studies. Advances in remote sensing data offer a cost-effective and accurate method to estimate NPP at landscape and regional scales
Methodology: This study examined the trend of spatiotemporal changes in NPP under the influence of climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) from 2006 to 2020 in Alborz province. NPP maps were extracted from the MOD17A3HGF product of MODIS, with annual and spatial resolutions of 500 meters. The Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) map for Alborz province was generated based on data from the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization of Iran, comprising nine categories: residential lands, water bodies, irrigated agricultural lands, rainfed agricultural lands, garden lands, good, medium, and poor rangelands, and lands without vegetation. The trend of NPP changes and its correlation with temperature and rainfall were investigated using the Mann-Kendall test and linear regression in TerrSet software's Earth Trends Modeler. Residential areas and water bodies were masked and excluded from correlation analysis. Finally, the average correlation coefficients of NPP with temperature and rainfall were classified.
Results: The results indicated that rainfall decreased in 2008 and 2014, reducing NPP in various LULC types. Conversely, precipitation increased from 2017 to 2020, leading to a rise in NPP in these LULC types. The temperature changes across different LULC types were not significant, resulting in a weak correlation between NPP and temperature. The highest NPP values were observed in irrigated agricultural lands, and the lowest in bare lands. NPP changes in most areas of Alborz province showed no trend; however, an increasing trend was noted in the northern and southern parts, while a decreasing trend was observed in the central parts. The correlation of NPP changes over time revealed a stronger positive correlation in the northern parts compared to the central and southern parts. The northern regions, especially the northwest, exhibited a higher intensity of NPP change than the central and southern regions. In contrast, the eastern and most southern areas showed less change.
Conclusion: Over the past 15 years, NPP in the central and southern parts of Alborz province has been more affected by annual rainfall than in the northern areas, due to the climatic and environmental conditions of the Alborz mountain range, which experience fewer climatic stresses than the southern regions. In contrast, NPP changes due to temperature showed the opposite results. The northern parts of the province were more affected by temperature changes than the southern parts. The high correlation between NPP and precipitation and the low correlation with temperature in the southern parts are related to the arid and semi-arid climate of these areas. Overall, NPP in Alborz province is generally influenced by climatic factors of rainfall and temperature. Conservation and restoration efforts should prioritize temperature and precipitation fluctuations as significant climatic factors.