Distribution and plant community associations of the understory bamboo Fargesia qinlingensis in the Foping National Nature Reserve, China

Abstract

 Introduction Fargesia qinlingensis is the primary food source for the endangered giant panda during the summer months in the Qinling Mountains, but little is known about its spatial distribution and plant community associations.  Methods and materials We examined the composition and structure of the forest canopy and topographic patterns as correlates of F. qinlingensis population structure in Foping National Nature Reserve (FNNR), Qinling Mountains, China.  Discussion F. qinlingensis is the dominant understory vegetation from 1,800–2,600 m in FNNR. Populations of F. qinlingensis were associated with several different tree communities, mainly with broad-leafed dominants at intermediate elevations and conifers at higher elevations. F. qinlingensis was associated with herb communities of intermediate species richness. F. qinlingensis densities were lowest at the highest elevations in herb-rich alpine meadows and at low elevations where the most speciesrich tree communities had high cover.  Conclusion The most species-rich tree and herb communities were not associated with F. qinlingensis populations, thus efforts to conserve both bamboo as a food resource for pandas and species diversity of other plants must prioritize the entire elevation range in these mountains.