# Tree Composition, Niche Characteristics, and Mammal Habitat Use Across Different Types of Forests in Wanglang Nature Reserve

## TL;DR

The study compares tree species, niche characteristics, and mammal habitat use in different forest types in Wanglang Nature Reserve, showing that natural forests support more diverse and protected species.

## Contribution

The study identifies distinct tree species indicators and niche dynamics in primary, secondary, and artificial forests, linking these to mammal habitat use and conservation implications.

## Key findings

- Primary forests are dominated by Abies fargesii var. faxoniana, Picea purpurea, and Juniperus saltuaria.
- Artificial forests have high niche overlap between Picea asperata and Betula albosinensis.
- No traces of giant panda, Sichuan takin, or golden monkey were found in artificial forests.

## Abstract

We elucidated species composition, niche characteristics, and mammal habitat use in primary, secondary, and artificial forests in Wanglang Nature Reserve. These three types of forests were distinguished by different indicator tree species. Natural forests were characterized by low niche overlap, and different interspecific interactions were observed in these three types of forests. No traces of giant panda, Sichuan takin, and golden monkey were found in artificial forests. Accordingly, the protection of natural forests and the improvement of artificial forests should be considered in the conservation of forest habitats of mammals.

Effectiveness of forest restoration efforts depends on the methods employed. Here, we compared tree species composition, niche characteristics, and mammal habitat use in primary, secondary, and artificial forests in Wanglang Nature Reserve. Results showed that primary forests were mainly indicated by Abies fargesii var. faxoniana (Af), Picea purpurea (Pp), and Juniperus saltuaria (Js); secondary forests were mainly indicated by Af and Betula albosinensis (Ba); and artificial forests were mainly indicated by Picea asperata (Pa) and Acer caesium (Ac). Af had the broadest niche breadth in natural forests, and Pa had the broadest niche breadth in artificial forests. Low niche overlap among common species was observed in natural forests, whereas high niche overlap between Pa and Ba occurred in artificial forests. Interspecific correlations showed that Af was negatively correlated with Pp in primary forests and Populus szechuanica (Ps) in secondary forests. In artificial forests, Af and Ac were positively correlated. Furthermore, no traces of the three National Class I protected species were found in artificial forests, while traces of two representative mammals were associated with Af. These findings highlight the differences among the three types of forests.