Niches and interspecific associations of dominant trees in a Lithocarpus glaucus community
We investigated the population of Lithocarpus glaucus,an endangered plant species,within the provincial nature reserve E' huangzhang,Yangchun,Guangdong,to enhance their monitoring and conservation efforts. Employing ecological niche measurements,variance ratio analysis,x2 tests,and a combination of Pearson's and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients,we comprehensively analyzed the ecological niches and interspecific interactions among 31 dominant tree species in the L. glaucus community. Our findings reveal that L. glaucus ranks seconds in importance,after Homalium cochinchinense,with a significantly wide ecological niche. Among the 30 pairs of tree species combinations involving L. glaucus,the niche similarity ratios of 25 pairs were over 0.50,and the niche overlap values of 26 pairs were over 0.50,indicating high ecological similarity and overlap among the dominant species,suggesting potential competition in a resource scarce environment. Overall,the 31 dominant tree species exhibit significant positive associations,indicating that the L. glaucus community is in a relatively mature successional stage. The results of the x2 test as well as Pearson's and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients show that the interspecific associations among dominant canopy species are relatively weak,suggesting independent distribution patterns. In summary,the L. glaucus community is currently in a late successional stage,utilizing resources efficiently,with weak interspecific correlations and potential competitive risks. The L. glaucus population thrives in environments free from human disturbances,demonstrating strong survival potential. To enhance their recovery and growth,we recommend increasing light intensity within the forest,selectively removing dead or wind-felled trees,and managing species population sizes with significant negative associations to optimize the growth environment.
Lithocarpus glaucusnicheinterspecific associationarbor layerE' huangzhangvariance ratiox2 test
国家科技期刊平台
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