Analysis of suitable habitat distribution and its influence factors of Davidia involucrata in Liangshan Mountains based on MaxEnt model

Abstract:

Based on field investigations, in the presentstudy, we analyzed the habitat distribution and its influence factors of Davidia involucrata (including Davidia involucrata var.vilmoriniana) in Liangshan Mountains by MaxEnt model. The results showed that, in the vertical direction, dove trees are mainly distributed at an altitude of 1500~2300 m，which is named as the mid mountain zones; in the horizontal direction, dove trees are mainly concentrated in Xiaoliang Mountains, which is located in the east of Liangshan Mountains. In the study area, the total distribution area of D. involucrate is 1832.446 km2, which includes the most suitable habitat (958.448 km2) and the sub suitable habitat (873.998 km2). The Jackknife Test and Limiting Factors Analysis indicated that temperature seasonality, altitude, min temperature of coldest month, precipitation of coldest quarter, Precipitation Seasonality and the distance to settlements have great contributions to the distribution of D. involucrate.So we suggests that the conservation of the habitat of Davidia involucrate population outside the reserve and the restoration of key connecting areas should be strengthened to promote the growth of Davidia involucrate population in the mountain and the connection of habitats.