Subtropical montane evergreen broad-leaved forests of Yunnan, China: diversity, succession dynamics, human influence |
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Authors: | Cindy Q Tang |
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Institution: | (1) Institute of Ecology and Geobotany, Yunnan University, 650091 Kunming, Yunnan, China;(2) Institute of Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8563, Japan |
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Abstract: | This paper integrates studies on the natural subtropical montane evergreen broad-leaved forests (EBLFs) and secondary succession
of the forests and plantations in Yunnan, to provide a basis for evaluating the sustainability of the forests in the mountain
ecosystems of Yunnan, China. The EBLFs include mid-montane moist, monsoon, and semi-humid categories. The monsoon EBLF yielded
the highest indices of the Shannon-Wiener H, Equitability J, Simpson D and Fisher’s alpha, followed by the mid-montane moist
EBLF, then by the semi-humid forest. Since human uses have varied widely, the plant communities ranged from pioneer deciduous
broad-leaved and/or pioneer coniferous stands to late-successional evergreen broad-leaved stands. The secondary succession
pathways were from pioneer deciduous stands of Alnus accompanied by stands of pioneer coniferous Pinus and Keteleeria, through broad-leaved and coniferous mixed stands, to late-successional evergreen broad-leaved forests of Cyclobalanopsis and Castanopsis. In Yunnan, the EBLF is commonly replaced by plantations of exotic fast-growing Eucalyptus to produce industrial wood, oil, pulp and fuel. The result has been reduced plant diversity, and great loss of soil nutrients
by erosion and runoff, as compared to the EBLF. Seventy-six plant species in the area have been ranked as critically endangered,
endangered, or vulnerable. Their condition is seen as largely attributable to habitat loss or degradation. A clear understanding
of ecological features and succession pathways of the EBLF can lead to more effective conservation and management of these
fragile forests and the mountain ecosystems. |
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