Effects of plant interactions on the populations of the endangered Fagus pashanica

Abstract

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.