Plant Diversity and Seasonal Variation Drive Animal Diversity and Community Structure in Eastern China.

ABSTRACT: Montane forests, characterized by complex terrain and diverse climates, serve as critical global biodiversity hotspots, particularly for birds and mammals. However, the patterns and underlying processes of bird and mammal diversity remain insufficiently studied in the montane forests of eastern China. This study employed infrared-triggered camera trapping to conduct a four-year field monitoring of birds and mammals, analyzing the effects of plant diversity and seasonal variations on the diversity of habitat-associated animals. Our results revealed that species-level habitat visit frequency in ground-dwelling birds exhibited a significant phylogenetic signal, particularly in spring and summer. Plant diversity metrics demonstrated significant positive correlations with corresponding bird met

SUBMITTER: Chen X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12837589 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature