Introduction

Today, the result of human struggle with nature is some phenomena such as biological diversity loss, environmental pollution, and the continuous exploitation of environmental resources, which is based on the improper use and irrational management of land by humans. Because natural resources as the basis of life and sustainable development have many commercial and non-commercial values and also its role in the life of biological communities, including humans, is noticeable, hence sustainable and optimal exploitation of these resources is necessary. Protected areas are essential to preserve biodiversity, and considering the threats that are spreading in these areas, the issue of their management efficiency is very important. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) studies on threats to protected areas in 2000 show a correlation between inadequate management and the degree of threat to protected areas.

Methodology

Based on the RAPPAM methodology, the current research has identified and graded the pressures and threats of Sefidkooh and Oshtrankooh protected areas and the Samandar Lorestani wildlife refuge in Lorestan province. According to the RAPPAM guidance document, pressure includes an activity, event, or forceful damage that currently has a detrimental effect on the ecosystem integrity in the protected area. It should be noted that pressure can be caused by the direct or indirect effect of a legal or illegal activity. The threat includes a potential or imminent pressure that will cause harmful damage to the ecosystem and its components in the near future. Based on the RAPPAM methodology, the rating of pressure and threat can reach a score of 1 to 64 by multiplying the three parameters of effect range, effect intensity, and effect permanence.
Most of the questions used a scale with four standard choices (no = 1, often no = 2, often yes = 3, yes = 4), where "yes" describes an ideal situation.

Results

16 pressure and threat factors were identified in the Oshtorankooh protected area and scored by experts. In the Oshtrankooh protected area, illegal hunting had the highest degree of pressure and threat (35.07). While the lack of distinct agriculture boundaries had the lowest degree of pressure and threat (18.03). Among the 25 pressure and threat factors of the Sefidkooh protected area, drought, and climate change had the highest rating of pressure and threat (45.89), and the wildlife fodder supply in the winter had the lowest rating of pressure and threat (12.96). Between 11 pressure and threat factors of the Lorestani salamander wildlife refuge, drought, and climate change had the highest degree of pressure and threat (43.89). In contrast, diseases and parasites had the lowest degree of pressure and threat (16.42).

Discussion

The results show that the Sefidkooh protected area is exposed to more damage and threats. This region has a large area and it's located under the boundary of three cities Azna, Dore Chegeni, and Khorramabad. Because the protected area has a large area, there are three separate decision-making departments, and the lack of specialist staff and facilities is strongly felt, as a result, the protected area has many pressure and threat factors and its area and wildlife are decreasing. After the drought and climate change, the lack of expert staff and facilities has assigned the highest degree of pressure and threat (41.46). Then, the lack of land use planning was given third place with a score of 40.89. The results show that the implementation of land capacity evaluation studies and protected area zoning can contribute to better protection. By informing people and their participatory management of zones adjacent to rural areas, conservation, and sustainable use is encouraged.

Conclusion

To monitor pressures and threats in protected areas of Lorestan province, the RAPPAM methodology was implemented. This methodology provided by the World Wide Fund (WWF) for nature can be implemented with the lowest cost and will provide useful results. The most important Sefidkooh protected area pressures and threats were drought, climate change, and lack of specialists and facilities. In the Oshtrankooh protected area, illegal hunting, and unsustainable tourism were the most important factors. Drought, climate change, illegal fishing, and hunting were identified as the most obvious pressure and threat factors. of Lorestani salamander wildlife refuge. To implement this method, it is suggested that the experts attend the workshops. It is also suggested that the sections related to biodiversity, socio-economic issues, management, and policy-making which are in the continuation of the RAPPAM questionnaire should be carried out in these areas.