Importance of Vegetation Studies in Conservation of Wildlife: A Case Study in Miankaleh Wildlife Refuge, Mazandaran Province, Iran

Study of floristic composition of vegetation is crucial for biodiversity and conservation management by providing habitats for wildlife and contributing to the ecologically sustainable management of natural resources. miankaleh peninsula considered of high conservation value owing to its floral and faunal characteristics. a study was carried out in miankaleh, in 2002, to determine floristic composition and available vegetation types carrying a central importance in foods and shelter habits of the wildlife. therefore, the total 70 quadrats of the size 100 and 25 sq.m., based on defining minimal area, were located in the area and each predefined homogenous unit was received 10 quadrats. plant species and their abundance and dominance were recorded. seven vegetation types viz. plantago indica-carex nutanse, pure punica, punica-rubus, punica-juncus, juncus-rubus, pure juncus and frankenia hirsuta-plantago coronopus were recognized in the area. vegetation profile of each type was also depicted. in plantago indica-carex nutanse (psamophyte) vegetation type, a strip planted by alder species (alnus subcordata) could supports as a nest for falco subbuteo. pure punica (pomegranate) vegetation type that occupied most of the central part of the peninsula has been covered mostly by punica granatum. it is a good habitat for black francolin cocks (francolinus francolinus), isabel shrike (lanius isabellinus), robins (erithacus rubecula), phasianus colchicus, otis tarda, chlamydotis undulate, coturnix coturnix and scolopax rusticola. some plant species are important elements of the food chain in miankaleh.