Forest community structure and species diversity pattern of different layers along the elevation gradients in Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu National Park

Liu Lingjuan, Chen Han, Jiang Jiang, Liu Yifan

Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition） ›› 2026, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (4) : 245-254.

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南京林业大学学报（自然科学版）
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Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition） ›› 2026, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (4) : 245-254. DOI: 10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202510027

Forest community structure and species diversity pattern of different layers along the elevation gradients in Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu National Park

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Abstract

【Objective】Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu National Park is a key biodiversity conservation and water conservation area in China, characterized by rich forest plant resources and complex floristics. This study aimed to investigate the community structure, species composition, and diversity characteristics of different layers along the elevation gradients in the park, providing a basis for subtropical forest restoration and biodiversity conservation.【Method】Continuous elevation transects were set in non-tourist areas of the Longquan Section to investigate plant communities across different vertical layers of forests, analyzing the responses of structural characteristics, species composition, and species diversity to elevation.【Result】The relative proportion of Cunninghamia lanceolata gradually declined along the elevation gradient, while the relative proportion of Pinus taiwanensis and broad-leaved tree species (e.g., Castanopsis eyrei, Schima superba) gradually increased along the elevation gradients. Arborous layer showed the high proportion of negatively interspecific associated species pairs, and the structural characteristics and diversity of arborous layer initially increased with the maximum values in 1 100-1 300 m, then decreasing along the elevation gradients. The structural characteristics and diversity of shrub layer showed a weak response to the elevation gradients. Herb species were characterized by lower density, height and diversity, with positively associated species pairs predominantly distributed only at low-elevation areas.【Conclusion】Elevation regulated the orderly differentiation of species composition, interspecific relationships, structural traits and diversity in different layers. The mid-elevation areas were suitable for forest growth. Low-elevation areas promoted the coexistence pattern of coniferous-broadleaf forests dominated by Cunninghamia lanceolata as well as shrub and herb species. High-elevation areas led to species coexistence and plant dwarfing. Results could provide basic data and scientific basis for biodiversity protection in Qianjiangyuan-Bashanzu National Park and other subtropical forests under future climate change.

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interspecific association / species diversity / elevation gradient / vegetation layer / Qianjiangyuan Baishanzu National Park

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Liu Lingjuan , Chen Han , Jiang Jiang , et al. Forest community structure and species diversity pattern of different layers along the elevation gradients in Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu National Park[J]. Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition）. 2026, 50(4): 245-254 https://doi.org/10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202510027

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