Enhancing understanding of ecological niche and CSR strategies of woody plants in remnant forests: Exploring the impact of surrounding spatiotemporal urban expansion

Abstract

Developing a deeper understanding of how plants respond to urbanization in urban remnant forests can enhance biodiversity conservation efforts. This study investigated woody plants in 120 sample plots located in 15 remnant patches and explored the impacts of spatiotemporal urban expansion on niche indicators and CSR (Competitive, Stress-tolerant, Ruderal) strategies of woody plants in Guiyang, China. Our analysis revealed that stress-tolerant strategies are the most prevalent across all sample sites. Additionally, road density reduced the light indicator values and abundance of C-strategies in shrub species. It also increased soil nutrition indicator values and the abundance of S-, C- and CS-strategies in adult trees, as well as S- and CR-strategies in shrub species. Moreover, urban expansion intensity decreased the abundance of CS-strategies in tree species and C-strategies in shrubs, but increased CR- and CSR- strategies in shrub species. Compound terrain complexity led to a decrease in soil nutrition and alkalinity indicator values, and S-strategies in shrubs, but an increase in the abundance of C-strategies and the extent of C-selection (%) of shrubs. Furthermore, the percentage of impervious surfaces increased soil humidity indicator values, but decreased most CSR types of woody plants. Leapfrog expansion type facilitates soil nutrition indicator values, while reducing the extent of C-selection (%). These findings indicate that the surrounding spatiotemporal urban expansion exerts pressure on plant niches and strategies within remnant forests, enabling adaptation to disturbances and stresses. Therefore, we strongly advocate for the consideration of managing urban expansion surrounding remnant forests as an essential component of biodiversity conservation efforts.