Implications of realized niche for the conservation and creation of Potentilla anserina habitat

Abstract

Potentilla anserina is a perennial herb native to South Korea and its distribution is limited to coastal lagoons. However, the population of P. anserina is threatened by anthropogenic disturbances and climate change. To identify the optimal habitat and environmental characteristics of P. anserina for conservation, we investigated the major environmental factors contributing to the growth and reproduction of P. anserina using a field survey. A total of 122 quadrats were classified into three groups according to the vertical distance (near, middle, and far) from the lagoon water body and surveyed in May and August of 2020. In all lagoons, the coverage (May: 41.8 ± 5.4%, August: 23.4 ± 4.4%), height (May: 21.7 ± 1.6 cm, August: 25.4 ± 3.0 cm) and density (May: 34 ± 4 individuals/m2, August: 47 ± 10 individuals/m2) of P. anserina were the highest in the middle group. The redundancy analysis of the growth characteristics of P. anserina and environmental traits revealed that relative light intensity, soil moisture content, and soil Na+, K+, and Ca2+ content were major factors affecting the growth of P. anserina. The habitat of P. anserina requires adequate soil moisture considering the distance from the water body. It is recommended to introduce a P. anserina zone at a distance of 2–3 m from the water body, where the width of transition zone between lagoon water body and terrestrial plants is about 5 m, and at a distance of 10 m from the water body where the width of transition zone is approximately 20 m in gentle slope. Loamy sand soil consisting of more than 50% sand and 4–38% of silt is a suitable habitat. A proper relative light intensity (about 42%) is required for the prevention of tall and dense companion species. In addition, moderately saline soil (soil EC: 820.8–882.6 μS/cm; Na+: 1738–1927 mg/kg) can provide a competitive habitat for P. anserina.