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The Impact Of Environmental Changes On Plant Diversity Of Mount Gara For (2014-2024) A.D. In Dohuk Governorate, Northern Iraq

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Document Type : Research Paper

Abstract

Climatic, topographical, and soil factors are the main determinants of the distribution and spread of natural trees. Therefore, Mount Gara—one of the most prominent landmarks of the Zagros Mountains, stretching between Iraq, Turkey, and Iran which located between longitudes (43°17'31.9˝ - 43°20'13.3˝ E) and latitudes (36°59'53.4˝ - 37°01'02.4˝N) at an elevation ranging from 1,402 to 1,745 meters above sea level. was chosen as a case study due to its environmental and economic importance. Various species of trees grow naturally there, including Quercus Aegilops, Quercus infectoria, Acer monspessulanum, Prunus microcarpa, Pyrus syriaca, Juniperus oxycedrus, Crataegus azarolus, Prunus webbii, Pistacia eurycarpa, and Lonicera arborea. Scientific tools were used to measure the area-specific diversity of each sample, based on the number of species present within a defined unit area. The Margalef index indicated clear variation between samples during the two periods (2014 and 2024), showing a decrease in diversity at sites with southern exposures and steep slopes. The Menhinick index showed variation in species richness, which was relatively high at an altitude of (1530) m, while the lowest value was recorded at (1745) m above sea level. The Shannon-Weaver differed in biodiversity between samples, reflecting environmental effects on tree growth. This is consistent with the Simpson and Evenness indices, indicating high species equivalence. The chi-square test values showed low values across all indices (Margalef, Menhinick, and Shannon), suggesting no significant difference between the two time periods at a significance level of (0.05). Similarly, the insignificant chi-square results between 2014 and 2024 indicate no statistically significant differences in tree composition or species distribution within the plant community during this period.

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Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)
Volume 16, Issue 4 - Issue Serial Number 4
December 2025
Page 55-62
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