Abstract:
Objective Hopea hainanensis is not only a Wild Plant with Extremely Small Populations but also a national grade first-level key protected plant and a representative species of tropical rainforest in Hainan, China. Here, the population structure, dynamic change characteristics, and future development trend of Hopea hainanensis were explored for providing a scientific basis for protection and management.
MethodsIn this study, the population structure and dynamic characteristics of Hopea hainanensis distributed in Jianfengling, Hainan was analyzed using population statistics, including static life table, survival curve, and time series prediction model.
Results(1) The population structure of wild Hopea hainanensis in Jianfengling showed an inverted J shape, and the number of seedlings (age class I) accounted for 95.24% of the total individuals. (2) The slop populations in the primary forest and secondary forest in the Jianfengling area tended to grow, but there was a limitation in the growth of young trees during the transition from seedlings to saplings, resulting in a very small number of adults. (3) The regeneration ability of Hopea hainanensis population in primeval forests was lower than that in secondary forests, but the recovery process in secondary forests was more susceptible to external disturbance. (4) The Hopea hainanensis population in primeval forests and secondary forests would recover steadily after 2-5 age classes if the existing Hopea hainanensis population and their habitats in Jianfengling were well protected.
Conclusion There are still a certain number of wild saplings in Jianfengling, Hainan. It is urgent to strengthen the protection of the existing wild Hopea hainanensis populations and promote the transformation of the seedlings to saplings in the natural state.