Comparison of Frequencies in Order to Estimate of Tree Species Diversity in Caspian Forests of Iran

Species diversity is one of the most important indices that used to evaluate the sustainability of forest communities. In the present study, three variables including number of individuals (frequency of species), basal area and volume of tree species were compared to estimate tree species diversity in broadleaves forests of Iran. Based on systematic random design, 30 plots (circle plot, $1000m^2$) was selected. Type of species, number of species, DBH and height of trees were measured. Simpson (1-D), Hill ($N_2$), Shannon-Wiener (H'), Mc Arthur ($N_1$), Smith-Wilson ($E_{var}$) and Margalef ($R_1$) indices used to estimate tree species diversity. Species diversity was calculated in each plot. ANOVA test showed that there was a significant difference between of three variables used for estimation of species diversity. Number of trees variable has more precision than basal area and volume variables to estimate of species diversity. But Duncan test revealed that there were significant difference between of basal area and volume variables with number of trees. Therefore, basal area and volume variables were selected as more suitable variables in order to estimate of biodiversity indices in northern forests of Iran.