Investigating structural and functional features of ecological patches rangelands in several levels of management in National Golestan Park, Ghorkhoud

In order to do a  scientific and correct management on rangelands ecosystems, having knowledge on topics such as health indicator and function is of necessity. Assessment of rangelands ecosystems opposite environment and management reactions for beneficiaries of this type of ecosystems is highly important. The National Golestan Park and its rangelands environments, considering their unique management i.e. conservation management can have different structural and functional perspectives. Hence, the  main aim of this research is to study structural  and functional features of ecological patches rangelands in three areas, namely national Golestan parks areas, Ghorkhoud protected area and Espakhoo area. In order to meet up this purpose,  in every area, eastern Hill slope was studied on three  fifty meter transects in point dominant Hill slope, patches and inter-patches in five frequencies. Using LFA (Landscape Function Analysis) model, three functional features i.e. soil stability, permeability and nutrient cycle and structural features such as numbers of patch, total patches area, patches area index, indicator of Landscape were specifically investigated. The result showed that structural attributes, namely mean of length patch, number of patch, mean of width patch, total surface, indicator of surface patch and indicator structure in national park area is more than those of Ghorkhoud and Espakhoo areas.  Considering stability indicator, there existed no significant difference between national park and Ghorghoud areas (p<0/05). The highest functional indicator was also related to ecologic paddock of grass+forb  while the highest functional indicator was related to ecologic paddock shrub+forb. Notably, structural and functional features can apply as early perceptions to determine destruction of rangelands. Consequently, necessary measures can be done to preserve intensity destruction or to improve quality.