Analysis of ecological network structure and biological function continuity in Jajrud Protected Area

Fragmentation and decrease of ecological function in urban areas are one of the major threats to the protection of valuable ecological resources. Effective strategies to control land fragmentation and destruction in these areas require the identification of ecological resources and biological functions. Accordingly, the present study identified sensitive and ecological resources and prepared an ecological network map in the Jajrud Protected Area (PA) urban set, and then examined the continuity of biological function in this area. For this purpose, areas with sensitive resources (historical and cultural monuments) and ecological resources (vegetation, water resources, and areas under protection and management of the Department of Environment of Iran) were identified based on two quantitative criteria for mapping areas with an ecological function, including a minimum area (25–200 ha) according to the map scale and a review of study sources. Then, man-made factors resulting from the development of human activities were examined as the main ecological obstacles in the area. According to the results, the main sensitive and ecological sources in this urban set include the national parks (Khojir and Sorkheh Hesar) and the PA. The central regions of the area, which have a greater distribution of national parks and biological reserves, have higher ecological importance and are now also more biologically sensitive to urbanization and human activities. In contrast, the northern and northwestern regions, which lower distribution of ecologically valuable resources and increased human activity development, are in the medium and low importance categories. According to the results, sensitive biological areas have the highest weighting and subsequent priorities are respectively. Similarly, the analysis of the environmental performance of the Jajrud PA shows that the ecological cohesion of the area decreased between 2000 and 2023. As the Jajrud PA has a network of biologically sensitive areas, it is essential to plan and provide the appropriate tools to reduce the impact of urban development and its threats. As a management solution, it can help to ensure that human activities and, consequently, environmental hazards and consequences are properly protected and planned.