闽北檫树群落乔木层物种多样性特征研究

采用对数级数模型对檫树群落物种多度分布格局进行预测与检验结果表明 ,该檫树群落物种多度分布遵从对数级数分布 ,即群落的均匀度相对较小 ,群落稳定且具有较高的生物多样性。     

祁连圆柏群落物种多样性的海拔梯度效应研究

为研究珍稀树种祁连圆柏群落物种多样性的垂直变化效应,在对祁连山北坡中段2 800~3 200 m间祁连圆柏群落进行调查的基础上,分析了不同海拔梯度祁连圆柏群落物种的重要值和物种多样性。结果表明,不同海拔梯度下的祁连圆柏群落在结构组成上有所不同,物种的重要值也有差异;不同生活型植物群落物种多样性对海拔梯度变化的敏感程度不同,草本层植物最敏感,其次是灌木群落,物种多样性与海拔梯度之间呈单峰关系。祁连圆柏群落物种多样性的垂直分布规律在植物的不同层次存在差异,草本层物种多样性较高且海拔梯度效应明显,即在海拔3 200 m的群落中,物种多样性和丰富度达到最高;灌木层多样性和均匀度在海拔2 800 m地带最高,但变化趋势不明显。在同一海拔梯度范围内,草本层的物种多样性和丰富度均明显高于灌木层。总的来说,祁连圆柏群落物种多样性海拔梯度变化规律明显,物种多样性高,种类组成复杂,群落乔木层、灌木层、草本层各层层次明显。     

福建将石自然保护区鸟类物种相对多度模型的拟合研究

应用对数级数分布模型、对数正态分布模型、几何级数分布模型和分割线段模型对福建将石自然保护区鸟类物种相对多度分布格局对比研究结果表明 ,对数级数分布模型、对数正态分布模型能较好地描述将石自然保护区鸟类多样性 ,而几何级数分布模型和分割线段模型则不适于描述该自然保护区鸟类多样性 ;“多度 /频度”图解可较好地反映对数级数分布模型拟合效果 ,丘陵山地鸟类群落物种相对多度不遵从对数级数分布 ,各生境群落百分率相似性指数说明各生境群落百分率相似性较低。     

湖南省珍稀濒危植物及其特征

首批中国珍稀濒危植物分布于湖南的有６５种４变种。从区系组成，植物地理分布，在自然森林群落中的生态地位，以及利用价值等方面分析了它们的特征，并对湖南珍稀濒危植物就地保护的有效性和措施进行了讨论。     

黄土沟壑区不同坡位白羊草群落物种多度分布研究

物种多度分析是研究群落结构和分析群落生态学机制的重要方法,以黄土沟壑区地带性白羊草群落为对象,研究了坡位对白羊草群落物种多度分布格局的影响。结果表明:(1)坡位对白羊草群落物种多样性有显著性影响,坡中的Shannon指数、Simpson指数、Patrick指数显著低于坡上和坡下(p<0.05),坡上和坡下上述指数无显著差异(p>0.05)。坡上、坡中和坡下的群落Pielou均匀度指数和Alatalo均匀度指数无显著差异(p>0.05);(2)采用Zipf、Zipf-Mandelbrot、几何序列、分割线段、优势优先5种生态位模型对不同坡位上白羊草群落的物种多度分布格局进行模拟,发现仅前两个模型能很好地拟合白羊草群落在坡上、坡中和坡下的多度分布格局。说明尽管在不同坡位上白羊群落的物种多样性不同,但不同坡位上群落的形成过程和机理基本一致。本研究支持了Zipf模型和Zipf-Mandel-brot模型能较好的描述演替后期群落分布格局的观点。     

镇雄县境内国家重点保护植物的东西分布对比研究初报

镇雄县国土总面积较广,境内海拔高差较大,气候差异明显,因此整个境内植物种类分布特别丰富。物种差异极其明显。根据长期野外调查、标本采集和分类研究,发现境内国家重点保护植物分布无论是在同一海拔带上或是在相同气候因子条件下,其东西分布差异极为突出。因此对国家重点保护植物在镇雄县的东西分布状况进行研究,对保护与合理开发物种资源、掌握珍稀物种的生境特殊性以及开发林业产业及其指导林业生产都具有极为重要指导作用,对国家珍稀濒危物种的保护方略具有一定参考价值。     

浙江古田山自然保护区青冈群落特征研究

研究浙江古田山自然保护区青冈群落特征和物种多样性结果表明,青冈群落植物种类丰富,区系成分复杂,其属的地理成分具有较高的热带成分比例。群落生活型以高位芽植物为主,叶性质以小型叶、单叶、革质和非全缘为主。群落垂直结构中灌木层→乔木层→草本层物种多样性依次递减,乔木层、灌木层物种丰富度和物种多样性指数明显大于草本层。     

十万大山国家级自然保护区珍稀濒危植物的多样性

在对广西十万大山国家级自然保护区植物种质资源进行全面调查研究的基础上,根据中国及国际有关珍稀濒危植物评估的标准体系,分析和统计该保护区珍稀濒危植物多样性状况,结果表明:保护区珍稀濒危植物多样性丰富(44科85属145种),其中国家重点保护野生植物15种(其中Ⅰ级2种,Ⅱ级13种),占保护区植物种数的0.67%;被列入《世界自然保护联盟(IUCN)物种红色名录濒危等级和标准》的有27种,占1.21%,,被列入《中国物种红色名录》(第一册)的达110种,占4.92%;被列入《濒危野生动植物种国际贸易公约》附录的79种(其中附录Ⅰ有1种,附录Ⅱ有77种,附录Ⅲ有1种),占3.54%。     

河西走廊民勤人工梭梭林群落的物种多样性研究

采用野外样方调查法,对民勤5个区域的人工梭梭林群落从物种重要值、多样性及土壤水分含量和物种多样性相关关系等方面进行了分析,结果表明:(1)民勤生态环境脆弱,人工梭梭林群落物种组成简单,共有植物16种,分属8科14属,以梭梭、骆驼刺、雾冰藜、沙蓬、刺沙蓬为优势种,反映了沙漠植被的特征;(2)民勤人工梭梭林群落物种多样性水平较低,其群落层次结构可分为灌木层和草本层,草本层的物种丰富度、多度比灌木层高,灌木层的Shannon-wiener指数、Pielou均匀度指数均比草本层的大,Simpson指数比草本层的小,反映出灌木层物种集中程度偏低、草本层物种均匀度偏低的规律;(3)草本植物对0～60 cm土层含水量有较高的依赖,草本层多度与0～60 cm土层含水量呈显著的正相关关系,但种的丰富度与0～60 cm土层含水量无显著的相关关系,而灌木层种的丰富度、多度与0～60 cm土层土壤含水量均无显著的相关关系,即土壤水分的变化对植物种的丰富度没有显著的影响。     

中国特有植物猪血木的濒危原因及保护对策

猪血木（Euryodendron excelsum H.T.Chang）为中国特有的山茶科单型属猪血木属的珍稀濒危植物,现仅分布于广东省阳春县八甲镇地区,且仅残存一个居群,居群内个体数量仅100余株,该物种已被列为国家二级保护植物。物种濒危原因分析是生物多样性保护的关键环节,文章从猪血木的地理分布、生活史特性、种群分布现状及生态环境因素影响等方面分析了该物种的濒危现状,猪血木种群地理分布的局限性限制了其空间拓展;种子萌发和幼苗生长对生境要求特殊和种群现状不利于其更新和发展,人为干扰对猪血木影响严重。其濒危的主要原因是人为因素引起的生境破碎化和过度砍伐所导致的个体数量下降,文章认为现存种群和生境的保护是濒危物种保护的最有效手段,针对猪血木的濒危现状和原因,提出了就地保护,促进自然种群的繁衍更新,建立猪血木繁育基地进行迁地保护和回归引种的保护策略,以期为猪血木的保护和种群恢复提供科学的理论指导,也为中国珍稀濒危物种和生物多样性的保护提供基础资料。     

Rare or threatened vascular plants of Lord Howe Island

The native and endemic vascular flora of Lord Howe Island (31°35′S 159°05′E) is assessed for rareness and threatened status using three axes—distribution, abundance and threat. Seven angiosperms are believed to have become extinct since 1853. Of the 118 native angiosperms 25 are rare, 3 endangered and 4 vulnerable. Of the 62 endemic angiosperms 9 are rare, 1 is vulnerable. Of the 26 native ferns 5 are rare, 1 is vulnerable. Of the 17 endemic ferns, 3 are rare, 2 are endangered and 1 is vulnerable. The rarest species, known from fewer than ten individuals, are recent invaders. Proposed reserves are sufficient to protect all species except three restricted to grazed swamps or estuaries.     

Linking habitat suitability and seed dispersal models in order to analyse the effectiveness of hydrological fen restoration strategies

The effectiveness of measures targeted at the restoration of populations of endangered species in anthropogenically dominated regions is often limited by a combination of insufficient restoration of habitat quality and dispersal failure. Therefore, the joint prediction of suitable habitat and seed dispersal in dependency of management actions is required for effective nature management. Here we demonstrate an approach, which links a habitat suitability and a seed dispersal model. The linked model describes potential species distribution as a function of current species distribution, species-specific dispersal traits, the number of successful dispersal events, dispersal infrastructure and habitat configuration. The last two variables were related to water management actions. We demonstrate the applicability of the model in a strategy analysis of hydrological restoration measures for a large fen area in which still numerous endangered plant species grow.With the aid of the linked model, we were able to optimise the spatial planning of restoration measures, taking into account both the constraints of water management practices on abiotic restoration and the effects of habitat fragmentation on dispersal. Moreover, we could demonstrate that stand-alone habitat suitability models, which assume unlimited dispersal, may considerably overestimate restoration prospects. For these reasons, we conclude that linked habitat suitability and dispersal models can provide useful insights into spatially differentiated potentials and constraints of nature restoration measures targeted at the sustainable conservation of endangered plant populations whose habitats have been deteriorated due to undesirable effects of land and water management on abiotic conditions. These insights may contribute to the design of cost-effective nature restoration and conservation measures.     

A problem of the rich: Prioritizing local plant genetic resources for ex situ conservation in Israel

A priority list of 323 plant species was created through a consultative process for ex situ conservation in the recently inaugurated Israel Plant Gene Bank (IGB). The IGB is set up to preserve plant genetic resources and the endangered genetic variability of the Israeli flora. Upon its inauguration, we consulted with the country’s leading plant breeders and botanists in an attempt to create a list of the most important plant species to be included in the initial collections. The list includes crop wild relatives (CWRs), selected according to their contribution to humans: edible plants (grains, vegetables, oil); forage plants; species with potential industrial and biotechnological applications (e.g. spices, medicinal plants, aromatic plants, fibers, dyes), and species with horticultural and forestry potential. We further ranked the species on the basis of assessed values for each of seven characteristics: distribution range in the country; abundance; rarity of the growing habitats; endemism; red number index—representing imminent threat of extinction; availability of samples in Israeli collections, and genetic relationship to cultivated crops. The sum of the assessed values for these seven characteristics was used to group the species on the list into four main prioritized-collection schemes. Statistical analysis indicated that all attributes had similar influence on the collecting prioritization scheme. In general, rare species with low abundance in their growing habitats were ranked in the highest priority group, while highly distributed species were sorted together into a lower priority group. The prioritization scheme will be used to optimize the collection in the IGB with the aim of establishing its collecting activities.     

Endangered crayfish in northern Japan: Distribution, abundance and microhabitat specificity in relation to stream and riparian environment

Japan’s only native crayfish species Cambaroides japonicus has been declining dramatically in the past few decades. For the purpose of conservation planning, twenty-two coastal streams were surveyed to investigate summer distributions of crayfish in relation to stream and riparian environment. Classification and regression trees were used to predict the occurrence and abundance of crayfish. The classification tree model with stream variables as predictors showed that crayfish would occur in swift or high gradient streams (correct classification rate = 91%). Within those streams, however, crayfish only inhabited depositional microhabitats, in which the areas are limited in availability. Crayfish were not found in gentle, low gradient streams containing abundant depositional microhabitats. This paradoxical distribution pattern was attributed to availability of boulder substrates in swift or high gradient streams. The regression tree model indicated that crayfish abundance was determined primarily by the percentage of boulder substrates and the presence of fish (observed vs. predicted r = 0.64).The classification tree model using only riparian variables indicated that the total woody plant (mainly broadleaf species) density followed by the percentage of early successional species such as alder and willow determined the splits of the tree model (correct classification rate = 95%). A leaf processing experiment on 10 riparian plant species suggested that crayfish preferred high nitrogen (or low C/N) leaves.These results suggest that swift or high gradient fishless streams associated with abundant cover in dense broadleaf forest serve conservation areas for this endangered crayfish, and that consideration of riparian composition may facilitate conservation efforts.     

Risk assessment: Simultaneously prioritizing the control of invasive plant species and the conservation of rare plant species

Although the consequences of the homogenization of Earth’s flora and fauna are not well understood, experts agree that biological invasions pose hazards to rare species. As a result, there is a need for a systematic approach to assess risks from invasive species. The Relative Risk Model can be adapted to assess combinations of rare species, invasive species, and regions. It also can be applied to different taxonomic groups and at different spatial scales. This flexibility makes it a promising tool for invasive species risk assessment. We used the Relative Risk Model to quantify risks posed to endangered plant species by non-indigenous invasive plant species in Nebraska.We modeled the suitable habitats for eight invasive plant species, which we subsequently compared to documented occurrences of endangered plant species in a Geographic Information System. We combined this data with an assessment of the ecological impacts of each invasive species in a regional risk assessment framework to simultaneously calculate relative risk scores for invasive plant species, imperiled plant species, and subregions. We assessed uncertainty with Monte Carlo simulations.The results of this assessment are discrete values indicating the relative threat posed by invasive species to rare species, the relative risk posed to the rare species, and the relative risk in subregions. Results indicate that the invasive species Elaeagnus angustifolia and Rhamnus cathartica pose the greatest risks to endangered plants in Nebraska. The rare species Panax quinquefolius and the subregion Western Corn Belt Plains show the highest risk scores.     

Rare and endangered plants and animals of southern Appalachian wetlands

At least one-third of the threatened and endangered species of the United States live in wetlands. Southern Appalachian bogs and fens, in particular, support a wealth of rare and unique life forms, many of which are found in no other habitat type. In North Carolina alone, nonalluvial mountain wetlands provide habitat for nearly 90 species of plants and animals that are considered rare, threatened, or endangered by the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program, the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These species include the bog turtle, mountain sweet pitcher plant, green pitcher plant, swamp pink, bunched arrowhead, and Gray's lily, all of which are either on the federal list of endangered and threatened species or under consideration for that list. Mountain wetland habitats for these species are being destroyed and degraded at an accelerating rate for highway construction and expansion and residential and recreational development, as well as for industrial and agricultural uses.     

Resolving conflicts between butterfly host resource abundance and genet population size estimates for a vegetatively spreading, threatened grassland legume

Population size estimates are an integral part of rare plant conservation, but common abundance measurements such as cover and ramet number may not accurately index genet population size for vegetatively spreading species. Population monitoring of Kincaid’s lupine (threatened species) populations occurs through genet-anonymous leaf cover and raceme counts despite extensive, non-adventitious rhizome growth. While the current monitoring scheme provides important resource abundance measurements for the endangered Fender’s blue butterfly, whose larvae feed on Kincaid’s lupine leaves, the methods are not appropriate for estimating lupine genet number. Major axis regression revealed well supported statistical relationships between cover, raceme, and plantlet (a measurement of modular plant growth) density within six study patches (n = 3 populations) of Kincaid’s lupine (R² > 0.90) and when all patch data were combined (R² > 0.91). Genet population size estimates from genotype only data with ACE (an estimator used to infer species richness) were similar to estimates derived from a combination of plantlet density and genet to plantlet ratios (genotype derived) in small, more thoroughly genotyped lupine patches. However, genet number estimates from ACE were 3–5-fold greater in less intensely genotyped patches. Genet-anonymous plant abundance measurements, such as cover, can be used to estimate genet number in populations of vegetatively spreading plants provided they are calibrated with a unit of modular plant growth. Calibration of vegetative measurements, consistency of between population relationships, and closer scrutiny of highly supported statistical models may be necessary to develop more pertinent monitoring methods for rare, vegetatively spreading plants.     

Effects of Key deer herbivory on forest communities in the lower Florida Keys

Ungulate herbivory can have strong impacts on plant communities, but these impacts are rarely considered in recovery plans of endangered species. This study examined the effects of the endangered Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) on its environment in the lower Florida Keys. The Key deer population has increased to over 700 deer from approximately 50 deer in the 1950s; however, approximately 75% of the population resides on only a few islands (Big Pine, No Name, Big Munson) where Key deer herbivory on forest communities may be substantial. Effects of deer herbivory on plant densities were estimated on these islands using vegetation quadrats in hardwood hammock, buttonwood transition, and mangrove wetlands and compared to nine other islands with intermediate or low deer densities. On islands with high deer density, densities of preferred woody plant species <1.2 m tall (within Key deer reach) were significantly lower than islands with lower deer densities, while densities of some nonpreferred species were significantly higher. Deer exclosures established in hardwood hammock on a high-density deer island revealed a mean increase in abundance/height of preferred woody species inside exclosures, while nonpreferred species significantly increased in open plots. We conclude that on high deer density islands, highly preferred plant species might eventually fail to regenerate and unpalatable plant species may become dominant. Careful criteria need to be developed to maintain Key deer numbers above an endangered species status yet below levels that are destructive to local forest species.     

Using compiled species lists to make biodiversity comparisons among regions: A test case using Oregon butterflies

We explore two methods that correct for differential sampling effort when estimating the true number of species in a region based on samples such as those typically recorded in museum or conservation databases. The two methods are: (1) a phenomenological model that relies on a saturating sampling curve; and (2) a model based on a lognormal distribution of species abundances. We test these methods using a database for the butterflies of Oregon and find that the distribution of high-diversity areas, using the estimated, or “asymptotic”, diversities, is strikingly different from the geographic pattern one would deduce if the raw data were used, without correcting for differential sampling effort. Further, we show that differences in accuracy exist between the two estimation procedures, and that these differences are aggravated at small sample sizes; we argue that estimates based on the lognormal distribution should be preferred because they can offer substantial improvement over analyses based solely on the raw data, generally without risking overestimation. Lastly, using both the database and estimated values of butterfly diversity, we show that the distribution of endangered and numerically rare butterflies rarely coincides with “hotspots” or centers of biodiversity. Thus, protecting regions of Oregon rich in overall butterfly diversity will not normally protect the bulk of rare or endangered butterfly species.