Spatial Correlations among Total, Endemic, and Threatened Plant Diversity in Northwest Yunnan, China

Abstract

Located in Southwest China, Northwest Yunnan has drawn much attention around the world because of its high plant richness. However, spatial associations among different diversity measures of seed plants in this region remain elusive. We compiled a database of spatial distribution of total, endemic, and threatened seed plants at county scale in Northwest Yunnan, and examined spatial associations among the three diversity measures and altitudinal range. We found similar spatial patterns of the three diversity measures, which were highest in the northern part of the region. Moreover, strong correlations among the three diversity measures were observed. Altitudinal range was positively correlated with total and endemic species diversity, while endemic species diversity explained more spatial variation of threatened species diversity. The spatial patterns of all three diversity measures were directly or indirectly correlated with altitudinal range, suggesting strong associations among controlling factors of the three diversity measures. Overall, our results showed strong spatial correlations among total, endemic, and threatened plant diversity in Northwest Yunnan, which should help land managers design cost-effective conservation plans in this region.