Ecological indicators for protection impact assessment at two scales in the Bozin and Marakhil protected area, Iran

► We used habitat-based indicators to examine the impacts of protection at two scales. ► The indicators were landscape metrics and models that fit patch size distributions. ► Protection impacts were scale dependant and were most pronounced at the broad scale. ► Protection maintained the habitat within the park but put more pressure outside of it. ► Complementary habitat indicators should be used for protection impact assessment.