Regeneration failure due to livestock grazing is a major problem in the northern Zagros oak forests of Iran. Coppice regeneration provides a fast-growing alternative to seedling regeneration. Knowledge of sprouting ability is essential prerequisite for the use of coppice regeneration in the context of adapted silvicultural strategies. We investigated sprouting ability of Lebanon oak in Northern Zagros. In total 45 Lebanon oak trees from three diameter classes (25-35, 35-45 and 45-60cm) were cut. To monitor the sprouting behavior during the first year after cutting the stumps were measured in June and September. The number of sprouts was largest for the intermediate dbh class with 101 and 81 sprouts per stump in June and September respectively. Whereas there was no significant difference in mean sprout height per stump between the dbh categories, the maximum sprout height per stump was significantly larger for the intermediate dbh category. A higher sprout density per stool in June leads to a stronger decrease in sprout density until September. In Zagros forests coppice regeneration may contribute to sustain fodder and fuelwood production for the upcoming decades. Studies like the present one can contribute to find management strategies for Zagros forests which are able to balance the protection goals and the needs of local stakeholders who depend heavily on the sustainable use of forest resources.
