Iranian Scientific Association of Desert Management and Control (ISADMC)Desert Management2476-398513420260220Predicting the Grazing Capacity of Mountainous Rangelands Using a Machine Learning Approach with Emphasis on Climate ChangePredicting the Grazing Capacity of Mountainous Rangelands Using a Machine Learning Approach with Emphasis on Climate Change12073555210.22034/jdmal.2026.2081279.1522FAMohammadrezaNajibzadeh1. PhD. Graduated in Rangeland Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
2. Member of the scientific board of East Azerbaijan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center, Tabriz, Iran.HosseinArzaniProf. Department of Rehabilitation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.HamidrezaKeshtkarAssistant Prof. Department of Rehabilitation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.0000-0001-5023-3118ShahramKhalighi SigaroudiAssociate Prof. Department of Rehabilitation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.JavadMotamediAssociate Prof. Rangeland Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20251219Mountain rangelands are vital for forage supply, biodiversity, and the carbon cycle. This research aimed to forecast the long-term grazing capacity of summer rangelands in the Arshad Chaman Kandovan Sahand area and assess climate change effects on vegetation production and cover. Data were gathered from six transects over 16 years (2006–2021). Vegetation measurements included canopy cover and forage yield across three palatability categories (I, II, III), along with soil surface conditions. Climate data—covering minimum, maximum, and average temperatures and precipitation—were sourced from Tabriz, Sahand, and Maragheh stations and analyzed with SPI and SPEI drought indices. GCM data were downscaled using SDSM under RCP scenarios. Machine learning models such as XGBoost, Random Forest, and Linear Regression then simulated grazing capacity. Results showed forage production decreased from 1250 kg/ha in 2006 to 1054 kg/ha in 2021, a 15.6% decline. Similarly, available forage reduced from 408.2 to 316.7 kg/ha, a 22.4% drop. Consequently, short-term grazing capacity fell from 7.3 to 5.7 Animal Unit Months per hectare (AUM/ha). For future projections, the XGBoost model (R² = 0.96) estimated a 3.5% decline by 2051, while the Random Forest model (R² = 0.85) predicted a 3.0% decrease. Based on these outcomes, reducing livestock numbers by about 20% by 2051 is recommended. Additionally, vegetation improvement programs—such as seeding and grazing management—should be implemented with local community participation, along with ongoing monitoring.Mountain rangelands are vital for forage supply, biodiversity, and the carbon cycle. This research aimed to forecast the long-term grazing capacity of summer rangelands in the Arshad Chaman Kandovan Sahand area and assess climate change effects on vegetation production and cover. Data were gathered from six transects over 16 years (2006–2021). Vegetation measurements included canopy cover and forage yield across three palatability categories (I, II, III), along with soil surface conditions. Climate data—covering minimum, maximum, and average temperatures and precipitation—were sourced from Tabriz, Sahand, and Maragheh stations and analyzed with SPI and SPEI drought indices. GCM data were downscaled using SDSM under RCP scenarios. Machine learning models such as XGBoost, Random Forest, and Linear Regression then simulated grazing capacity. Results showed forage production decreased from 1250 kg/ha in 2006 to 1054 kg/ha in 2021, a 15.6% decline. Similarly, available forage reduced from 408.2 to 316.7 kg/ha, a 22.4% drop. Consequently, short-term grazing capacity fell from 7.3 to 5.7 Animal Unit Months per hectare (AUM/ha). For future projections, the XGBoost model (R² = 0.96) estimated a 3.5% decline by 2051, while the Random Forest model (R² = 0.85) predicted a 3.0% decrease. Based on these outcomes, reducing livestock numbers by about 20% by 2051 is recommended. Additionally, vegetation improvement programs—such as seeding and grazing management—should be implemented with local community participation, along with ongoing monitoring.https://www.jdmal.ir/article_735552_21582bc63016189c7909e892f53bbba8.pdfIranian Scientific Association of Desert Management and Control (ISADMC)Desert Management2476-398513420260220Innovative tree-planting techniques to enhance survival and growth of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC in desertification control projects: A case study of degraded coastal lands in Hendijan, Khuzestan, IranInnovative tree-planting techniques to enhance survival and growth of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC in desertification control projects: A case study of degraded coastal lands in Hendijan, Khuzestan, Iran214673807810.22034/jdmal.2026.2074678.1526FAHadiKargar Chigani1Assistant Professor, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute Tehran, Iran0009-0004-3328-5513ForoodSharifiProfessor, Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute, Iran,Journal Article20260204Biological methods are widely recognized as highly effective approaches for restoring degraded ecosystems. This study evaluated the effects of an innovative tree-planting technique on the survival and growth parameters of <em>Prosopis juliflora</em> (Swartz) DC. in the Dehno–Hendijan region, Iran. The local soil is characterized by a heavy texture, high salinity, and alkalinity, coupled with low organic matter content. To overcome these edaphic constraints, unsuitable soil in the planting pits was replaced with amendments—specifically fine sand—and integrated with various management techniques to enhance seedling establishment. Nine treatments were evaluated: 1- soil replacement with fine sand (FS), 2- FS combined with planting adjacent to a water source, 3- FS with shoot pruning, 4- FS with NPK fertilizer, 5- FS with potassium ( ) fertilizer, 6- FS with complete fertilizer, 7- a mixture of FS and superabsorbent polymer, 8- a mixture of FS and organic fertilizer, and 9- native field soil as the control. In autumn 2017, a total of 298 seedlings were planted using an unbalanced completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment effects on survival were analyzed using the Chi-square ( ) test, while growth parameters were evaluated via multivariate analysis and the General Linear Model (GLM). Mean comparisons and treatment groupings were performed using the Waller–Duncan and Gabriel tests. The results indicated that the treatments significantly influenced both the survival and growth indices of <em>P. juliflora</em> ( ). The highest survival rates were recorded in the FS + complete fertilizer (90%) and FS + NPK (87%) treatments. The maximum and minimum canopy volumes were observed in the FS + planting near a water source (4.35 m³) and FS + superabsorbent (1.64 m³) treatments, respectively. Based on a comprehensive scoring system, the FS + planting near a water source (score: 14) and FS + potassium fertilizer (score: 13) treatments achieved the highest rankings, identifying them as top priorities for eco-engineering and biologicalBiological methods are widely recognized as highly effective approaches for restoring degraded ecosystems. This study evaluated the effects of an innovative tree-planting technique on the survival and growth parameters of <em>Prosopis juliflora</em> (Swartz) DC. in the Dehno–Hendijan region, Iran. The local soil is characterized by a heavy texture, high salinity, and alkalinity, coupled with low organic matter content. To overcome these edaphic constraints, unsuitable soil in the planting pits was replaced with amendments—specifically fine sand—and integrated with various management techniques to enhance seedling establishment. Nine treatments were evaluated: 1- soil replacement with fine sand (FS), 2- FS combined with planting adjacent to a water source, 3- FS with shoot pruning, 4- FS with NPK fertilizer, 5- FS with potassium ( ) fertilizer, 6- FS with complete fertilizer, 7- a mixture of FS and superabsorbent polymer, 8- a mixture of FS and organic fertilizer, and 9- native field soil as the control. In autumn 2017, a total of 298 seedlings were planted using an unbalanced completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment effects on survival were analyzed using the Chi-square ( ) test, while growth parameters were evaluated via multivariate analysis and the General Linear Model (GLM). Mean comparisons and treatment groupings were performed using the Waller–Duncan and Gabriel tests. The results indicated that the treatments significantly influenced both the survival and growth indices of <em>P. juliflora</em> ( ). The highest survival rates were recorded in the FS + complete fertilizer (90%) and FS + NPK (87%) treatments. The maximum and minimum canopy volumes were observed in the FS + planting near a water source (4.35 m³) and FS + superabsorbent (1.64 m³) treatments, respectively. Based on a comprehensive scoring system, the FS + planting near a water source (score: 14) and FS + potassium fertilizer (score: 13) treatments achieved the highest rankings, identifying them as top priorities for eco-engineering and biologicalhttps://www.jdmal.ir/article_738078_853680821d9f8446ca8022b2fc0544f6.pdfIranian Scientific Association of Desert Management and Control (ISADMC)Desert Management2476-398513420260220Assessment of Climate Change and Its Hydrological Impacts in the Maharloo Wetland BasinAssessment of Climate Change and Its Hydrological Impacts in the Maharloo Wetland Basin477073269810.22034/jdmal.2025.2075714.1515FAZahraKheirandishPh.D. Student, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.MohammadKaboliProfessor, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.BehzadRayeganiAssociate Professor, Research Group of Environmental Assessment and Risk, Research Center for Environment and Sustainable Development (RCESD), Department of Environment, Tehran, Iran.Ali AkbarNazari SamaniProfessor, Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.0000-0003-0648-9743BahmanJabbarian Amiri. Associate Professor, Department of Regional Economics and the Environment, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, the University of Lodz, Poland.Journal Article20251025<span>Climate change poses a critical challenge in arid and semi‑arid regions, primarily through its adverse effects on the hydrological cycle and water availability. This study investigates historical trends in temperature and precipitation, evaluates changes in annual Water Yield (WY), and projects future climate conditions in the Maharloo Wetland Basin, Fars Province, Iran. For the historical period (1991–2022), we employed ERA5‑Land and TerraClimate reanalysis datasets. Future climate projections (2021–2040) were derived from downscaled outputs of selected CMIP6 models under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways: SSP2‑4.5 and SSP5‑8.5. Trend analysis using the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator revealed a significant warming trend (1 °C to 3 °C) across all temperature indices—both extreme and mean—over the past three decades. Nighttime and winter warming were dominant, leading to a noticeable reduction in diurnal and seasonal temperature ranges. Annual precipitation exhibited a declining trend, with the most pronounced decrease observed in the Gharb-e-Daryacheh sub-basin, which serves as the primary water supply zone for the wetland. In this sub‑basin, the reduction in annual WY was substantially greater than the decrease in precipitation, suggesting that changes in rainfall intensity and temporal distribution, along with increased evapotranspiration, have aggravated water loss. Satellite‑derived imagery further corroborated the progressive shrinkage of the wetland water body area. Future climate projections indicate continued warming, ranging from 1.1 °C to 1.5 °C, alongside a slight increase in annual precipitation (3 %–6 %). However, unlike the historical period, future warming is expected to be more pronounced during daytime and summer months. If the current trajectory persists, the wetland faces an elevated risk of complete desiccation, increased saline dust storms, and accelerated land degradation. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted climate adaptation strategies to mitigate impending environmental and socio‑economic impacts in the region.</span><span>Climate change poses a critical challenge in arid and semi‑arid regions, primarily through its adverse effects on the hydrological cycle and water availability. This study investigates historical trends in temperature and precipitation, evaluates changes in annual Water Yield (WY), and projects future climate conditions in the Maharloo Wetland Basin, Fars Province, Iran. For the historical period (1991–2022), we employed ERA5‑Land and TerraClimate reanalysis datasets. Future climate projections (2021–2040) were derived from downscaled outputs of selected CMIP6 models under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways: SSP2‑4.5 and SSP5‑8.5. Trend analysis using the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator revealed a significant warming trend (1 °C to 3 °C) across all temperature indices—both extreme and mean—over the past three decades. Nighttime and winter warming were dominant, leading to a noticeable reduction in diurnal and seasonal temperature ranges. Annual precipitation exhibited a declining trend, with the most pronounced decrease observed in the Gharb-e-Daryacheh sub-basin, which serves as the primary water supply zone for the wetland. In this sub‑basin, the reduction in annual WY was substantially greater than the decrease in precipitation, suggesting that changes in rainfall intensity and temporal distribution, along with increased evapotranspiration, have aggravated water loss. Satellite‑derived imagery further corroborated the progressive shrinkage of the wetland water body area. Future climate projections indicate continued warming, ranging from 1.1 °C to 1.5 °C, alongside a slight increase in annual precipitation (3 %–6 %). However, unlike the historical period, future warming is expected to be more pronounced during daytime and summer months. If the current trajectory persists, the wetland faces an elevated risk of complete desiccation, increased saline dust storms, and accelerated land degradation. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted climate adaptation strategies to mitigate impending environmental and socio‑economic impacts in the region.</span>https://www.jdmal.ir/article_732698_10d7856e1472ef597b13446fa1383e30.pdfIranian Scientific Association of Desert Management and Control (ISADMC)Desert Management2476-398513420260220Effects of cutting methods on vegetation dynamics, regeneration and rangeland condition in old Haloxylon plantations, NeishaburEffects of cutting methods on vegetation dynamics, regeneration and rangeland condition in old Haloxylon plantations, Neishabur718873779610.22034/jdmal.2026.2089062.1529FAAbolhasanDarroodiM.Sc. in Desertification, Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.AhmadSadeghipourAssociate Professor, Department of Arid Area Management, Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan,
Iran.ShimaNikooAssociate Professor, Department of Combating Desertification, Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.0000-0002-0069-719XJournal Article20260519<span>This study examined how strip cutting, clear-cutting, and no cutting as a control affected vegetation, natural regeneration, biodiversity, and rangeland health in old <em>Haloxylon aphyllum</em> (Minkw.) Iljin stands south of Neishabur in Razavi Khorasan. Cutting was done in 2006, and sampling took place 11 years later in 2017 using a randomized complete block design with 15 replicates per treatment. Indicators measured included canopy and understory cover, forage yield, regeneration and mother plant density, litter percentage, biodiversity indices (Simpson, Shannon-Wiener, Margalef), species count, and rangeland condition via the Parker method. Results showed strip cutting had the best ecological outcomes—248 seedlings per hectare, 66% understory cover, 48.67 kg forage per hectare, and a good rangeland condition score of 44. Clear-cutting resulted in the highest species richness with 11 species, mostly annual opportunistic ones of low conservation value. Complete removal of <em>H. aphyllum</em> dramatically reduced regeneration to 92 seedlings per hectare and lowered rangeland condition to a poor score of 25, due to increased wind erosion and microclimate damage. The control had poor regeneration (146 seedlings per hectare) because of intense competition among old plants, leading to a moderate condition score of 39. The Shannon-Wiener index was highest in strip cutting at 1.91, while no significant differences were found for the Simpson index, suggesting management impacts mainly affected less dominant species. Rangeland health showed positive trends across all treatments. Overall, strip cutting proved most effective for restoring old <em>H. aphyllum</em> stands by preserving windbreaks, stabilizing microclimate, ensuring seed sources, reducing competition, and maintaining protective canopy cover.</span><span>This study examined how strip cutting, clear-cutting, and no cutting as a control affected vegetation, natural regeneration, biodiversity, and rangeland health in old <em>Haloxylon aphyllum</em> (Minkw.) Iljin stands south of Neishabur in Razavi Khorasan. Cutting was done in 2006, and sampling took place 11 years later in 2017 using a randomized complete block design with 15 replicates per treatment. Indicators measured included canopy and understory cover, forage yield, regeneration and mother plant density, litter percentage, biodiversity indices (Simpson, Shannon-Wiener, Margalef), species count, and rangeland condition via the Parker method. Results showed strip cutting had the best ecological outcomes—248 seedlings per hectare, 66% understory cover, 48.67 kg forage per hectare, and a good rangeland condition score of 44. Clear-cutting resulted in the highest species richness with 11 species, mostly annual opportunistic ones of low conservation value. Complete removal of <em>H. aphyllum</em> dramatically reduced regeneration to 92 seedlings per hectare and lowered rangeland condition to a poor score of 25, due to increased wind erosion and microclimate damage. The control had poor regeneration (146 seedlings per hectare) because of intense competition among old plants, leading to a moderate condition score of 39. The Shannon-Wiener index was highest in strip cutting at 1.91, while no significant differences were found for the Simpson index, suggesting management impacts mainly affected less dominant species. Rangeland health showed positive trends across all treatments. Overall, strip cutting proved most effective for restoring old <em>H. aphyllum</em> stands by preserving windbreaks, stabilizing microclimate, ensuring seed sources, reducing competition, and maintaining protective canopy cover.</span>https://www.jdmal.ir/article_737796_3c99a845116d2cd60cda7d7659f30620.pdfIranian Scientific Association of Desert Management and Control (ISADMC)Desert Management2476-398513420260220The Effects of runoff management using semi-circular bunds on the crown components of selected tree species in the Sahara-Sindhi vegetative zone of southern IranThe Effects of runoff management using semi-circular bunds on the crown components of selected tree species in the Sahara-Sindhi vegetative zone of southern Iran8910673616010.22034/jdmal.2026.2082124.1524FAAlieahJafariMaster's student in Watershed Science and Engineering, Department of Natural Resources Engineering, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran.NavazollahMoradiAssistant professor, Department of Natural Resources Engineering, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran.0000-0002-6588-9440MohammadAkbarianAssociate professor of Physical Geography, Department of Geographical Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran.Journal Article20260129In arid and semi-arid regions, limited water and low soil moisture are critical constraints on vegetation development. Effective runoff management is a key strategy for enhancing soil moisture and promoting plant growth. This study evaluated the effects of the semi-circular bund system a surface runoff management technique, on the canopy characteristics of three tree species in the Halvaei region of Minab County, Hormozgan Province, Iran. The research included <em>Prosopis cineraria</em> (L.) Druce, <em>Ziziphus spina-christi</em> (L.) Willd., and <em>Acacia ehrenbergiana</em> Hayne (syn. Vachellia flava (Forssk.) Kyal. & Boatwr.). A factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to compare tree growth in a treated area with semi-circular bunds against an untreated control. Measured variables included tree height, major and minor crown diameters, crown volume, and projected area, with data collected from 30 individual trees per species in each replication. Results showed that the water-harvesting treatment significantly affected all measured canopy variables (p < 0.01), except for crown thickness. Trees in the treated area exhibited significantly greater height, crown diameter, canopy surface area, and crown volume than those in the control. No significant differences occurred among positions within the treated area (upstream, midstream, and downstream), suggesting uniform system effects across the site. Species responses varied: <em>Prosopis cineraria</em> attained the greatest height and canopy volume, whereas <em>Ziziphus spina-christi</em> exhibited the largest trunk diameter and canopy area. Both species significantly outperformed <em>Acacia ehrenbergiana</em>, which recorded the lowest values. Overall, this study demonstrates the strong positive effects of the semi-circular bund system on tree growth and underscores the importance of selecting species with high adaptive capacity. These findings provide a solid scientific basis for decision-making in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management, particularly under increasing drought stress and climate change in water-limited environments.In arid and semi-arid regions, limited water and low soil moisture are critical constraints on vegetation development. Effective runoff management is a key strategy for enhancing soil moisture and promoting plant growth. This study evaluated the effects of the semi-circular bund system a surface runoff management technique, on the canopy characteristics of three tree species in the Halvaei region of Minab County, Hormozgan Province, Iran. The research included <em>Prosopis cineraria</em> (L.) Druce, <em>Ziziphus spina-christi</em> (L.) Willd., and <em>Acacia ehrenbergiana</em> Hayne (syn. Vachellia flava (Forssk.) Kyal. & Boatwr.). A factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to compare tree growth in a treated area with semi-circular bunds against an untreated control. Measured variables included tree height, major and minor crown diameters, crown volume, and projected area, with data collected from 30 individual trees per species in each replication. Results showed that the water-harvesting treatment significantly affected all measured canopy variables (p < 0.01), except for crown thickness. Trees in the treated area exhibited significantly greater height, crown diameter, canopy surface area, and crown volume than those in the control. No significant differences occurred among positions within the treated area (upstream, midstream, and downstream), suggesting uniform system effects across the site. Species responses varied: <em>Prosopis cineraria</em> attained the greatest height and canopy volume, whereas <em>Ziziphus spina-christi</em> exhibited the largest trunk diameter and canopy area. Both species significantly outperformed <em>Acacia ehrenbergiana</em>, which recorded the lowest values. Overall, this study demonstrates the strong positive effects of the semi-circular bund system on tree growth and underscores the importance of selecting species with high adaptive capacity. These findings provide a solid scientific basis for decision-making in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management, particularly under increasing drought stress and climate change in water-limited environments.https://www.jdmal.ir/article_736160_5c2290333ce6dd6b06690c24256c352d.pdfIranian Scientific Association of Desert Management and Control (ISADMC)Desert Management2476-398513420260220Investigation of Factors Affecting Biodiversity in Arid Ecosystems Using the InVEST Model and Structural Equation Modeling (Case Study: Jiroft County)Investigation of Factors Affecting Biodiversity in Arid Ecosystems Using the InVEST Model and Structural Equation Modeling (Case Study: Jiroft County)10712673807710.22034/jdmal.2026.2071597.1511FAAzamKhosravi MashiziAssociate Professor, Department of Ecological Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran.MohsenSharafatmandradAssociate Professor, Department of Ecological Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran.0000-0003-4890-1839Journal Article20250915<span lang="EN">In recent decades, the decline in biodiversity has become a global crisis. This study aims to examine biodiversity and identify the key factors influencing it. Since the InVEST habitat quality model was used to investigate biodiversity in Jiroft County. Threats were weighted with the AHP model, determining their maximum impact along gradients, and the habitat quality model was used to evaluate biodiversity. </span>The maximum spatial influence of each threat was determined along its respective gradient and integrated into the habitat quality model. In addition, vegetation characteristics, including canopy cover, Simpson's diversity index, and Margalef's richness index, were measured across different vegetation types. The AHP results indicated that livestock grazing and agricultural land use were the two most significant threats to biodiversity in the semi-arid ecosystems of the region. Habitat quality values derived from the InVEST model ranged from 0.03 to 0.69, revealing a highly heterogeneous spatial pattern of biodiversity across the landscape. Among the vegetation types, the <em>Astragalus gossypinus–Artemisia aucheri</em> community exhibited the highest habitat quality index (0.58 ± 0.16), indicating greater biodiversity conservation potential. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) demonstrated that precipitation had the strongest direct positive effect on biodiversity (<em>p</em> < 0.001), followed by vegetation canopy cover (<em>p</em> < 0.01), species diversity (<em>p</em> < 0.01), and elevation (<em>p</em> < 0.01). Furthermore, areas located at higher elevations exhibited higher habitat quality and greater capacity to support biodiversity, whereas lowland areas characterized by intensive human activities showed substantially lower habitat quality. These findings confirm the effectiveness of the InVEST Habitat Quality model for quantifying and mapping biodiversity in the dry ecosystems of Iran. Moreover, integrating the InVEST model with SEM provides a robust framework for identifying the key ecological drivers of biodiversity and offers valuable scientific support for regional conservation planning, habitat restoration, and sustainable ecosystem management in semi-arid landscapes.<span lang="EN">In recent decades, the decline in biodiversity has become a global crisis. This study aims to examine biodiversity and identify the key factors influencing it. Since the InVEST habitat quality model was used to investigate biodiversity in Jiroft County. Threats were weighted with the AHP model, determining their maximum impact along gradients, and the habitat quality model was used to evaluate biodiversity. </span>The maximum spatial influence of each threat was determined along its respective gradient and integrated into the habitat quality model. In addition, vegetation characteristics, including canopy cover, Simpson's diversity index, and Margalef's richness index, were measured across different vegetation types. The AHP results indicated that livestock grazing and agricultural land use were the two most significant threats to biodiversity in the semi-arid ecosystems of the region. Habitat quality values derived from the InVEST model ranged from 0.03 to 0.69, revealing a highly heterogeneous spatial pattern of biodiversity across the landscape. Among the vegetation types, the <em>Astragalus gossypinus–Artemisia aucheri</em> community exhibited the highest habitat quality index (0.58 ± 0.16), indicating greater biodiversity conservation potential. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) demonstrated that precipitation had the strongest direct positive effect on biodiversity (<em>p</em> < 0.001), followed by vegetation canopy cover (<em>p</em> < 0.01), species diversity (<em>p</em> < 0.01), and elevation (<em>p</em> < 0.01). Furthermore, areas located at higher elevations exhibited higher habitat quality and greater capacity to support biodiversity, whereas lowland areas characterized by intensive human activities showed substantially lower habitat quality. These findings confirm the effectiveness of the InVEST Habitat Quality model for quantifying and mapping biodiversity in the dry ecosystems of Iran. Moreover, integrating the InVEST model with SEM provides a robust framework for identifying the key ecological drivers of biodiversity and offers valuable scientific support for regional conservation planning, habitat restoration, and sustainable ecosystem management in semi-arid landscapes.https://www.jdmal.ir/article_738077_78ed4c19bf1bf79e18e949778c8cf0c8.pdf