Abstract:

To promote the protection and population recovery of Taxus cuspidata in Northeast China,we analyzed the diversity and density distribution of its natural distribution areas with field investigation data from Laojieling and Zhangguangcailing forest regions in Heilongjiang Province.The results indicated the following:1)The natural distribution area of Taxus cuspidata is rich in forest and grassland resources,with a total of 678 species of wild plants recorded across 93 families and 312 genera.2)The age structure of Taxus cuspidata in Northeast China exhibits a “spindle shape” characterized by a predominance of medium and large trees,resulting in a stable population.The largest number of individuals is found in Tilia amurensis forests,while the highest frequency of occurrence is in the red pine and spruce forests.3)The natural population of Taxus cuspidata is substantial,demonstrating strong spatial aggregation,which correlates significantly with various ecological factors.The most suitable altitude range for population survival is in 650-750 m,primarily located on mountain slopes.Additionally,the population density increases significantly when the slope is steeper than 10°.4)The study area features two high-density regional centers and several sub-dense regional centers,with a population density reaching up to 21 ind.hm².Density gradually decreases outward from these high-fitness regions,with the southern part of Heilongjiang Province identified as one of the most suitable natural distribution areas for the species.

Key words: Taxus cuspidata, distribution characteristics, sample-plot survey, Kriging interpolation