Spatial distribution and association patterns of forest trees in north-central Vietnam

What is it about?

This article contributes to a better understanding of the spatial regulation of species diversity in forests. It provides evidence that dispersal limitation and neutral processes may regulate the spatial patterns of tree species in a tropical broad-leaved forest in north-central Vietnam. Moreover, positive associations between tree species suggest the presence of species herd protection. In addition, habitat heterogeneity plays an important role for species distribution patterns, while the spatial segregation occurs at a scale around 15 m in this forest

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Why is it important?

Our findings provide evidence that dispersal limitation may regulate the spatial patterns of tree species. Moreover, positive spatial associations between tree species and life stages suggest the presence of species herd protection and/or facilitation in this forest stand, while the persistence of intraspecific aggregation through life stages suggests a very late onset or even absence of selfthinning. Habitat heterogeneity plays an important role for species distribution patterns, and the spatial segregation occurs at a scale around 15 min this forest.

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