Oak forests in Iran's Ilam province face parasite and drought threat

ILAM, Iran — Oak forests that form one of the most important green belts of the Zagros Mountains in western Iran's Ilam province are rapidly declining due to climate change and human-induced pressures, according to the official Iranian news agency IRNA. Decades of drought and irregular interventions have weakened the defense systems of old oak trees, allowing a semi-parasitic plant known locally as "muhur" — the Loranthus species — to spread across roughly 6 percent of the province's forested areas. The parasite's sticky seeds are carried by wind and birds, with infestation concentrated in the northern parts of the Chardavol, Sirvan, Ilam and Malekshahi districts. Local sources and natural-resources experts say the most effective method to halt the parasite's spread remains the manual pruning of infected branches from spring through mid-summer. Authorities have launched a tender to clear 5,000 hectares this year, following public and community cooperation that covered 3,200 hectares last year. Environmental specialists have warned that rescue plans will fall short without sustainable funding, scientific monitoring and the institutional participation of local communities.