Interactive Effects of Firebreak Construction and Elevation on Species Diversity in Subtropical Montane Shrubby Grasslands.

ABSTRACT: Montane shrubby grasslands, as one of the world's important ecosystems, are highly sensitive to climate change and human activities, especially in the subtropical regions experiencing rapid economic development. However, little is known about how anthropogenic activities, such as firebreak construction, interact with elevation to influence plant diversity in these ecosystems. Shrub and herbaceous communities were surveyed in subtropical montane shrubby grassland within Baishanzu National Park, eastern China. Nine transects were established along firebreaks, each with two edge plots near firebreak and two interior plots away firebreak, and twelve additional control plots in adjacent undisturbed areas. Species diversity was assessed using the Hill index. Our results revealed distinct respons

SUBMITTER: Hui C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12656269 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature