Exploring Conservation Options in the Broad-Leaved Korean Pine Mixed Forest of the Changbai Mountain Region

Ma Lin,Gongqi Sun,Yi Qu,Junqing Li,Jacky Wan

doi:10.1659/mrd-journal-d-14-00069.1

Abstract

Abstract The broad-leaved Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) mixed forest (BKPF) is one of the most biodiverse zonal communities in the northern temperate zone. Changbai Mountain in northeastern China contains one of the largest BKPFs in the region. The government of China has established a network of 23 nature reserves to protect the BKPF and the species that depend on it for habitat, including the endangered Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). This study used the conservation planning software C-Plan to calculate the irreplaceability value of each unit to assess how efficiently and comprehensively the existing conservation network supports biodiversity and to identify gap areas that, if integrated into the network, would expand its protection capability. Results show a number of high-conservation-value planning units concentrated along certain ridges. The existing conservation network is structured such that the habitats of only 24 species (out of a total of 75) achieve established conservation target...

Highlights

Rapid population growth puts great pressure on biodiversity conservation in mountain regions
Such areas are not covered by existing conservation networks; these conservation gaps should be given priority for conservation
Three conservation scenarios We considered 3 conservation scenarios for the Changbai Mountain region based on different combinations of human disturbance and conservation values

Summary

Introduction

Rapid population growth puts great pressure on biodiversity conservation in mountain regions. One important ecological zone that is only partially protected is the Changbai Mountain region in China, where the government has established 23 nature reserves. This region has contiguous primary forest landscapes, referred to as broad-leaved Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) mixed forest (BKPF), and the highest biodiversity in the cool temperate zone (Tang et al 2010). It is covered by well-developed altitudinal vegetation zones, including mixed forest (700–1100 m), coniferous forest (1100–1700 m), Erman birch forest (1700–2000 m), and tundra (.2000 m) (Shao et al 1996)

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Discussion

Conclusion