# Conserving Large Old Trees in Guangxi, South China: Diversity, Distribution, and Preservation Strategies

## TL;DR

This study identifies and analyzes over 2600 large old trees in Guangxi, China, highlighting their diversity, distribution patterns, and conservation needs.

## Contribution

The study provides the first comprehensive analysis of large old trees in Guangxi, revealing their species diversity and proposing targeted conservation strategies.

## Key findings

- 2630 large old trees from 149 species were identified, with Ficus, Camphora, and Castanopsis being the most common genera.
- Tree richness and diversity show a latitudinal gradient, likely influenced by climate, land use, and urbanization.
- Tree vitality is highest in rural and natural areas compared to residential districts.

## Abstract

Large old trees (LOTs) are important living monuments with historical significance, landscape esthetics, and ecological functions. Understanding LOT diversity, spatial distribution, and conservation status is critical for implementing effective targeted protection measures. However, although there are numerous LOTs across Chinese provinces, a comprehensive analysis of LOTs' diversity and distribution of LOTs in Guangxi Province is lacking. Using publicly available government data and field surveys, we assessed the taxonomy, species, spatial distribution, and conservation status of LOTs aged > 500 years in Guangxi Province. We identified 2630 LOTs belonging to 149 species, 105 genera, and 48 families. Members of the Ficus (Moraceae), Camphora (Lauraceae), and Castanopsis (Fagaceae) genera were the most common, with Ficus virens, Camphora officinarum, and
Ficus microcarpa
representing the predominant species. A latitudinal gradient in the richness and diversity of LOTs was observed across 14 prefecture‐level cities, with a progressive decline toward lower latitudes. This pattern likely reflects the influence of climatic conditions, historical land use, and urbanization intensity. Comparative health assessments demonstrated superior vitality in villages and farmlands (85.47%), scenic spots (90.3%), and wooded areas and plant nurseries (89.42%) compared to residential districts (78.94%). We recommend establishing an integrated ecological‐cultural management strategy for LOT conservation in Guangxi, strengthening in situ protection of underrepresented LOTs, prioritizing the management of culturally unaffiliated taxa, and implementing habitat‐specific strategies to ensure optimal conservation outcomes.

This study comprehensively analyzes the diversity and distribution of over 500 year old large old trees (LOTs) in Guangxi, China, identifying 2630 LOTs from 149 species with a notable latitudinal gradient in richness. Tree vitality was found to be highest in rural and natural habitats like villages and scenic spots, compared to residential areas. The research recommends integrated ecological–cultural management strategies and targeted in situ protection to enhance LOT conservation.