ABSTRACT
Background
Examining the spatial patterns of species distributions and their underlying processes is important for characterising population dynamics and can provide novel insights for conservation management. However, little attention has been paid to spatial distribution patterns of endangered species.
Aims
We quantified the effects of plant interactions and environmental heterogeneity on the spatial distribution of endangered Fagus pashanica in communities, to reveal the processes which may account for its population dynamics.
Methods
We collected spatial coordinates of each tree in communities at three elevations and evaluated the effects of plant interactions and environmental heterogeneity using point pattern analysis.
Results
Dispersal limitation rather than habitat filtering shaped the spatial patterns of F. pashanica at all three elevations. Intraspecific competition in F. pashanica was found to be significant at middle- and high elevations; interspecific interactions were not significant at any of the three elevations.
Conclusions
Intraspecific competition significantly affected the spatial patterns of F. pashanica. Dispersal limitation appear to lead to aggregation, while at small spatial scales intraspecific interactions are likely to decrease aggregation due to potential density-dependent thinning effects.
Acknowledgements
We thank Ding-Ji Zhang, Xin-Rui Nan, Ze-Yu Mo, and Li Zhou for their assistance with data collection and the staff of Mount Micang National Nature Reserve for their assistance in the field. We also thank Dr. Laszlo Nagy and anonymous reviewers for their valuable suggestions and guidance for improving the manuscript.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Yu Liang
Yu Liang is a Ph.D. student, with an interest in evolutionary ecology and community ecology.
Xiao-Xi Yang
Xiao-Xi Yang and Xiao-Ya Zhang are postgraduate students, with an interest in evolutionary ecology and population ecology.
Xiao-Ya Zhang
Jin-Tun Zhang is a professor. He is interested in vegetation ecology and quantitative ecology.
Da-Yong Zhang is a professor. He is interested in theoretical ecology and evolutionary ecology.
Jin-Tun Zhang
Jin-Tun Zhang is a professor. He is interested in vegetation ecology and quantitative ecology.
Da-Yong Zhang is a professor. He is interested in theoretical ecology and evolutionary ecology.
Da-Yong Zhang
Jin-Tun Zhang is a professor. He is interested in vegetation ecology and quantitative ecology.
Da-Yong Zhang is a professor. He is interested in theoretical ecology and evolutionary ecology.
Wan-Jin Liao
Wan-Jin Liao is a professor. He is interested in evolutionary ecology and reproductive ecology.