Application of biotope mapping model integrated with vegetation cover continuity attributes in urban biodiversity conservation

Abstract

Based on the biotope classification system wdth vegetation structure as the framework, a modified biotope mapping model integrated with vegetation cover continuity attributes was developed, and applied to the study of the greenbelts in Helsingborg in southern Sweden. An evaluation of the vegetation cover continuity in the greenbelts wras earned out by the comparisons of the vascular plant species richness in long- and short-continuity forests, based on the identification of woodland continuity by using ancient woodland indicator species (AWIS). In the test greenbelts, long-continuity woodlands had more AWIS. Among the forests where the dominant trees were more than 30-year-old, the long-continuity ones had a higher biodiversity of vascular plants, compared with the short-continuity ones with the similar vegetation structure. The modified biotope mapping model integrated with the continuity features of vegetation cover could be an important tool in investigating urban biodiversity, and provide corresponding strategies for future urban biodiversity conservation.

Keywords

Ancient woodland indicator species; Biodiversity; Biotope mapping; Continuity; Vegetation structure

Published in

Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology
2010, volume: 21, number: 9, pages: 2295-2303

SLU Authors

• Ling, Qiu

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Northwest A&F University

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/132443