Subtropical montane evergreen broad-leaved forests of Yunnan, China: diversity, succession dynamics, human influence
Subtropical montane evergreen broad-leaved forests of Yunnan, China: diversity, succession dynamics, human influence
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DOI:
10.1007/s11707-009-0057-x
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发表时间:
2010-03
期刊:
影响因子:
--
通讯作者:
Cindy Q. Tang
中科院分区:
文献类型:
--
作者:
Cindy Q. Tang
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 ofAlnusaccompanied by stands of pioneer coniferousPinusandKeteleeria, through broad-leaved and coniferous mixed stands, to late-successional evergreen broad-leaved forests ofCyclobalanopsisandCastanopsis. In Yunnan, the EBLF is commonly replaced by plantations of exotic fast-growingEucalyptusto 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.