Characteristics of plant communities in the Baishanzu continuous elevational transect

Aims: Mountain ecosystems are vital hotspots for global biodiversity. However, climate change and human activities pose significant threats to these ecosystems, leading to alarming transformations. It is essential to monitor changes in these delicate mountain environments, both in terms of biodiversity patterns and fluctuations, in a timely and precise manner. Such monitoring not only advances scientific understanding of species dynamics, but also informs the crucial conservation efforts needed to preserve these vital habitats. Methods: This study proposed constructing a continuous elevational transect across mountainous terrain as an ideal framework for understanding and predicting the impacts of climate change on mountain biodiversity. We implemented this approach in the Baishanzu region, Proposed Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu National Park. Along this transect, we examined the flora, species composition, community structure, and diversity patterns of plant communities in relation to the steady changes in altitude. Results: As elevation increased, the proportion of temperate genera gradually increased, while the proportions of both evergreen species and individuals decreased, although evergreens remined dominated overall. The average tree heights and the maximum tree height of the forest community peaked at approximately altitude of 1,600 m. Species richness and phylogenetic diversity reached their highest points around 1,200 m, displaying a unimodal trend on a broad scale. Other diversity indices, including the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, declined with elevation. Finally, this study also highlighted the unique advantages, recognized limitations, and future development potential of utilizing a continuous elevational transect. Conclusion: Continuous elevational transects have the potential to be a valuable supplement to existing mountain diversity monitoring systems. They may provide deeper insights into the temporal and spatial shifts in biodiversity within mountain biodiversity forest ecosystems over time.