Spatial patterns of the main trees in a plant micro-reserve constructed in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics mountainous competition zone

Several plant micro-reserves were established to preserve the vegetation in local mountain areas during the construction of the Yanqing competition zone of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.The spatial patterns of the main species in one of the micro-reserves and the factors affecting these patterns were characterized in this study.The distribution of arbor species was found to be mostly aggregated,especially at fine scales(<5 m).Minor species were found to be more aggregated than the major species in each forest layer.The spatial patterns were found to be affected by habitat heterogeneity,intraspecific relationships,interspecific competition,and seed dispersal limitation.Habitat heterogeneity was found to affect large-scale spatial patterns,and its effects were observed throughout population development.Interspecific competition is another factor affecting the distribution of the species,and its effects were stronger during the later stages of population development.Habitat heterogeneity was found to affect competition among species and is key for species coexistence.Both these processes are affected by the seed dispersal limitation,and intraspecific relationships are a legacy of seed dispersal.The point patterns can be used as a tool for the initial assessment of the status of communities within micro-reserves.The consideration of these relationships in the development,management,and formulation of policies for micro-reserves in mountainous areas will facilitate the achievement of conservation goals.The careful consideration of habitat conditions when selecting sites for micro-reserves establishment can promote species conservation.

Ecological Carrying Capacity in Beijing Mountainous Areas——Taking Fangshan District as an Example

[Objective] The aim was to investigate ecological carrying capacity of Fangshan District in Beijing. [Method] Ecological footprint and carrying capacity of Fangshan District in 2007 and 2008 were analyzed with ecological footprint model and the difference between ecological footprint and carrying capacity there was con- cluded. Furthermore, an assessment was made on relation between Fangshan de- velopment with local ecological carrying capacity to evaluate sustainable development of Fangshan District. [Result] Fangshan District is of lightly ecological deficit; ecologi- cal footprint per capita in 2007-2008 was deficit and tended to expand. Two meth- ods are available to reduce ecological ：deficit, including reduction of ecological foot- print and increase of carrying capacity. In general, supply and demand of carrying capacity in Fangshan are better, though with some problems. It is necessary to fur- ther develop related industries to final eliminate ecological deficit in order to achieve ecological conservation-orientation and sustainable development of Fangshan District. [Conclusion] The research provides theoretical references for overall evaluation on eco- logical carrying capacity of Fangshan District.

Characteristics of soil seed bank in plantation forest in the rocky mountain region of Beijing, China

We investigated characteristics （scales and composition） of soil seed banks at eight study sites in the rocky mountain region of Beijing by seed identification and germination monitoring. We also surveyed the vegetation communities at the eight study sites to explore the role of soil seed banks in vegetation restoration. The storage capacity of soil seed banks at the eight sites ranked from 766.26 to 2461.92 seeds·m？2. A total of 23 plant species were found in soil seed banks, of which 63–80% of seeds were herbs in various soil layers and 60% of seeds were located in the soil layer at 0–5 cm depth. Biodiversity indices indicated clear differences in species diversity of soil seed banks among different plant communities. The species composition of aboveground vegetation showed low similarity with that based on soil seed banks. In the aboveground plant community, the afforestation tree species showed high importance values. The plant species originating from soil seed banks represented natural regeneration, which also showed relatively high importance values. This study suggests that in the rocky mountain region of Beijing the soil seed banks played a key role in the transformation from pure plantation forest to near-natural forest, promoting natural ecological processes, and the role of the seed banks in vegetation restoration was important to the improvement of ecological restoration methods.

The “Valley Economy” Model of Regional Development: A Case Study of Mountain Areas in Beijing, Northern China

A case study is presented of a regional development model for valley economies in the mountain areas of Beijing, China. The nature and framework of the valley economy model are described and the development of the model, which is specific to the mountain areas of Beijing, is analyzed. Five different valley economy models applied in the Beijing mountain areas are compared. The major purpose of the valley economy model is to develop the regional economy, including the selection of appropriate industries, the allocation of industrial space, the establishment of supply chains and the integration of various industries. Pilot experiments using the valley economy model have been conducted in seven counties(districts) in Beijing: Pinggu, Huairou, Changping, Mentougou, and Fangshan districts, and Yanqing and Miyun counties. Five models for developing the Beijing mountain areas have been explored, including: creative cultural industries, characteristic industry clusters, the promotion of large tourist areas, natural scenic tourism and folk cultural tourism. Each model has its own unique features and potential to help in the regional development of mountain areas.

Measurement of respiration amount of white birch（Betula platyphylla）population in the mountainous region of Beijing

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Distribution of Carbon and Oxygen Isotopes in theSequence Stratigraphic Framework of the Middle andUpper Proterozoic in the Ming Tombs Area, Beijing

Abstract: This paper discusses the distribution pattern and geological significance of the carbon and oxygen isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) in the depositional sequences of Gaoyuzhuangian, Yangzhuangian and Wumishanian ages of the established Middle and Upper Proterozoic sequence stratigraphic framework in the Ming Tombs area lying in western Yanshan Mountain of Beijing. Besides, sketchy determination of δ13C and δ18O was also performed for other formations and members. The analytical results show the following: under the condition of clear-water carbonate sediments, δ13C and δ18O, featuring smaller variation of δ13C but larger variation of δ18O, can well delineate the relative change of sea level, which reflects the difference of primary sedimentary settings; in the presence of terrigenous substances, δ13C values vary greatly while δ18O slightly; the carbon and oxygen isotopes show marked changes at sequence boundaries. Besides, particular patterns can be found in regard to the distribution of carbon and oxygen isotopes within the sequences.

Land Use Changes of Valleys Based on Topographic Factors in Beijing Mountainous Regions of China

Land use changes in mountainous regions were greatly enhanced as the rapid development of economy due to the expanded population in developing countries. Acting geographically as the basic unit of mountainous regions, valleys are the primary sites of economic activities. Therefore optimization of land use policy in valleys is of critical important to the sustainable development in mountainous regions. On the basis of land use data in 1995 and 2012, this study explored the changes of land use according to the assessment of varied topographic factors （i.e., altitude and slope） in typical valleys of the Beijing mountainous regions, China. Our results showed that the valley is an efficiently geographical unit to evaluate land use changes in mountainous regions. We also found that major land use changes in mountainous regions of Beijing from 1995 to 2012 were the dramatic losses of grassland to the cultivated and construction lands, while most of these changes took place at the altitude of 0-400m and the slope of 6-15~. Considering the ever increasing economic development in Beijing mountainous regions, the increases of the construction and cultivated lands are inevitable, however, the great changes at a steeper slope imply the need to tailor land use structure coming into line with topographic factors, and suggesting ecological barriers and water conservation must be exercised in the developments of these areas.

Spatial structure of valley economic development in the mountainous areas in Beijing

Valley economy is a new mode in mountainous area development that is defined by various characters of valley development, and is a distinguishing economical geographic pattern for mountainous area development. The special spatial coupling relations in the distribution of different mountainous elements in valleys are new subjects for the mountain development studies, and such studies are meaningful both for researches and practices. Based on the long term researches on mountainous area development and following a brief exploration into the connotations and the spatial organizing process of valley economy, the authors analyzed the present situations of the development of valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas, studied the characteristics and the impacts of the spatial structural changes of the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas, and finally proposed a rational arrangement of the spatial structure of the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas. It is considered in this study that valley economy plays an important role in the development and functional transformation in Beijing＇s mountainous areas in the new epoch. Firstly, valley economy is not outlined by the administrative boundaries, and it connects most of the villages in the mountainous areas roughly along the major transportation lines. Therefore, valley economy can exert positive influence on the development in the mountainous areas, at least in the aspects such as the rearrangement of industrial structure in the mountainous areas and the coordinated development of rural and urban areas. In addition, it is found that the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas is evolved in a spatial organizing stage of secondary concentration, which is characterized by resource-saving, ecological protection and industrial optimization. Therefore, the development of valley economy will be helpful to the coordination between ecological protection and economic development in the mountainous areas, and will promote the integrated development of the mountainous areas. The developing mode of the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas will provide the basis for the decision-making in the transformation of the functional roles of Beijing＇s mountainous areas, and on the other hand, will present experiences for the studies in the mountainous areas outside of Beijing.

A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF SODAR DATA DETECTED IN YANSHAN MOUNTAIN AREA,BEIJING

According to the characteristics of sodar echo,a classified method for temperature stratification is given. By using sodar data observed in Yanshan Mountain area in Beijing,the statistical characteristics for the height of inversion layer,thermal plume,and the depth of mixed layer are compared.Finally,the appearance frequency for stable,unstable and neutral stratification is analyzed.

Construction and Strategic Vision of the Capital Eco-economic Zones

北京作为全国的政治、经济、文化中心,具有强大的综合创新优势,必须在实现经济体系高效性与生态系统稳定性上做出表率,建设首都生态经济区是北京山区科学发展的必然趋势。首都生态经济区地域范围为北京的七山区县,其建设要以"两山、五河、七组团"为空间结构,以"一区、三基地、一平台"为框架性目标。作为探索北京山区环境、经济与社会协调发展的路径,建设首都生态经济区是优化山区生态环境建设的现实需要,符合山区发展转型的客观要求,具有重要的科学意义、实践基础和理论依据,应遵循打破行政界限、生态主导发展等原则,力争用10-15年的时间,建设生态产业经济带(走廊)、拓展生态经济区地域空间范围、打造中国北部生态经济增长极,以建设成北京绿色崛起先导区和全国生态经济示范区。

Leaf litter decomposition characteristics and controlling factors across two contrasting forest types

Plant leaf litter decomposition provides a source of energy and nutrients in forest ecosystems.In addition to traditional environmental factors,the degradation process of litter is also affected by plant functional traits and litter quality.However,at the community level,it is still unclear whether the relative importance of plant traits and litter quality on the litter decomposition rate is consistent.A year-long mixed leaf litter decomposition experiment in a similar environment was implemented by using the litterbag method in seven typical forest types in Dongling Mountain,Beijing,North China,including six monodominant communities dominated by Juglans mandshurica,Populus cathayana,Betula dahurica,Betula platyphylla,Pinus tabuliformis and Larix gmelinii var.principis-rupprechtii and one codominant community dominated by Fraxinus rhynchophylla,Quercus mongolica and Tilia mongolica.The results showed that there were considerable differences in the litter decomposition rate(k-rate)among the different forest types.The community weighted mean(CWM)traits of green leaves and litter quality explained 35.60%and 9.05%of the k-rate variations,respectively,and the interpretation rate of their interaction was 23.37%,indicating that the CWM traits and their interaction with litter quality are the main factors affecting the k-rate variations.In the recommended daily allowance,leaf nitrogen content,leaf dry matter content,leaf tannin content and specific leaf area were the main factors affecting the k-rate variations.Therefore,we suggest that future studies should focus on the effects of the CWM traits of green leaves on litter decomposition at the community level.

Summer habitat selection and impacts of human disturbance on leopard cats(Prionailurus bengalensis)

Introduction:As a consequence of habitat loss and degradation,the leopard cat(Prionailurus bengalensis)in China has become endangered and in need of urgent protection.In situ conservation of leopard cats must be based on an understanding of their habitat selection patterns.We studied the summer habitat of leopard cats using line-transect surveys in the northern Taihang Mountain region surrounding Beijing,China.We compared used plots with non-used plots in elevation,tree canopy,and 20 other ecological variables,and used VanderploegScavia’s resource selection index(VSI)to analyze habitat preferences.Outcomes/others:Results show that tree canopy,tree height,tree density,and stump quantity of used plots were significantly lower than non-used plots in summer,and that leopard cats preferred habitats located on northern,flat slopes with lower slope,shrub-dominated,dry soil,and less fallen-wood.Leopard cats had a strong tendency to use habitats near human disturbance areas with moderate levels of disturbance intensity.Conclusion:The results suggest that future conservation efforts should emphasize:(1)strengthening the protection and management of forest fringe shrub habitats to improve summer habitat suitability,and(2)environmental education and animal protection campaigns to promote community biodiversity conservation.