Investigation in habitat and distribution of different specs of Thymus Genus in Iran.

Ecological study of habitats and species distribution maps available is effective step in identifying potential sources and optimum use of them for giving prosperity to the country's economy .The aim of this project is identifying habitats species genus thyme in different ecological conditions, Informed of the nature of vegetation species for use in different areas and mapping habitats based on ecological characteristics of species distribution and recognition thyme favorable areas for production . The first stage were identified thyme habitats in Mazandaran province. Then in each habitat was placed 3 transect of 500 m transect for measurement of percent cover, density and abundance of species of thyme. Habitat characteristics such as percent slope, aspect, mean annual temperature and precipitation, climate, soil physical and chemical characteristics, vegetation types and associated plants. GIS environment species distribution map was prepared by GIS in ILWIS software.Data analysis was conducted using PC.ORD software. The results show that four species of Thymus growing in Mazandaran in 4000-2000 meters altitude above sea level . Thymus Fedtschenkoi have maximum habitat and Thymus trautveterri have minimum habitat. Thymus pubescens distributed in the central region and appears the form of dominant vegetation types in some of these areas. Thymus fallax distrobuted in central and western regions and growing at higher altitudes than other species Soil texture in habitat of thyme are , loam, clay loam, sandy loam and sandy clay loam. Soil pH levels from 8.1 to 7.1 and PH is 0.36 -0.92 dsm and organic carbon is 0.90 to 4.4 percent.. Climate of thyme habitats are cold and very cold Mediterranean, cold and very cold semi-humid and cold semi-arid. Mean annual precipitation 700-350 mm and average annual temperature is 14-4 . Key Words: Thymus, Thymus fedtschenkoi,Thymus fallax,Thymus pubescens,Thymus trautveterri.Mazandaran