The purpose of this study is a comparison between different levels of forest protection in two regions. These regions consist of Golestan National Park and forest protected area of Zaw(b). Protection in Golestan is intensive and extensive in Zaw(b). This study also include an investigation of human impacts in Zaw(b) as the source of forest degradation. These two areas (Golestan and Zaw(b)) were compared using protection indices including: natural regeneration, woody species diversity and crown diameter. To compare these indices similar forest stands were selected from both areas. This similarity covers elevation (between 639 to 858 m), aspect (Northern) and extent (almost 7000 ha). In each of the regions, seven sample plots were considered with 400 m 2 area. The sample plots located at the cross point of UTM grids using systematic random sampling method. After positioning the plots in the field. Regeneration index was recorded by counting the seedlings (with the height lower than 1.3 m and diameter at breast height less than 7.5 cm) and denoting the type of species and the origin of the plant (coppiced or seed). To measure the woody plants diversity, the variety and frequency of tree and shrub species were counted. Finally, to calculate crown canopy, large and small diameter of trees averaged. In order to compare biodiversity of the two region, Simpson, Shannon-Wiener, Margalef and Menhinick values were calculated for each of the plots using “past” software. The comparative results showed that these values are poorer in protected area of Zaw (b) than National Park of Golestan. Poor diversity result from extensive protection and human impacts on Zaw(b). The effect of human impacts of forest degradation in protected areas of Zaw(b) were investigated by questionnaires and group interviews. The results exhibited that the major sources of destruction area economical and cultural factors. Therefore, to protect the forest in this region, it is necessary to promote the culture and solving the economical problems of people in this region. Keywords : Golestan National Park, Protected Area Zaw (b), Protective Factors, Human Factors Destruction .
