Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Located in a transitional climatic zone surrounded by sea on three sides, Kunyu Mountain provides an ideal region to study the drivers of plant distribution. The study examined the distribution patterns and environmental drivers of three dominant tree species—Pinus densiflora, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and Pinus koraiensis—using data from 55 permanent plots. A total of 52 plant species were recorded, primarily in warm-temperate areas, with some in other climatic zones. While the native P. densiflora was widespread, the introduced C. lanceolata and P. koraiensis showed limited distribution, with lower richness and growth rates than in their core ranges, yet both regenerated naturally. C. lanceolata mainly occurred below 400 m on sunny slopes, whereas P. koraiensis was concentrated at 400–500 m on shaded slopes. Climate similarity analysis confirmed that local microhabitats created by transitional climate and complex topography offer suitable conditions for both species. These findings improve the understanding of microhabitat roles in species distribution and offer insights for future species introduction strategies.
Source: Forests
DOI: 10.3390/f16111751
Authors: Shidong Li, Jiming Che, Zhenkai Liu, Ran Qiu, Can Yang, Yongxia Li
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4416414459