An estimation of the present distribution of Picea koyamae and P. maximowiczii using climatic and geological factors
2008
Katsuki, T.(Forestry and Forest Products Research Inst., Tsukuba, Ibaraki (Japan)) | Akashi, K. | Tanaka, S. | Iwamoto, K. | Tanaka, N.
Because only a few populations of Picea koyamae and P. maximowiczii (Pinaceae) are found on Honshu Island, Japan, the species are listed as threatened and knowledge of their current distributions and suitable site is essential for their conservation. We tried to estimate the distribution of these two spruces using third order mesh cells (30 seconds latitude, 45 seconds longitude). Ground surveys revealed the presence of P. koyamae in 52 cells and P. maximowiczii in 74 cells, all of which were characterized by cool temperatures, low precipitation and light snow cover compared with those of the average of Central Honshu Island. Using upper and lower limits of average monthly temperature, precipitation and snow depth, 376 and 351 cells were identified as being climatically suitable for P. koyamae and for P. maximowiczii, respectively. As a result of analyzing surface geology, limestone had the highest proportion of cells in which the species were present (47% for P. koyamae ; 80% for P. maximowiczii). Based on these results, it was suggested that 33 cells for P. koyamae and 34 cells for P. maximowiczii in limestone area at Northwest part of Mts. Akaishi were identified as cells in which the possibility to survive of each spruce will be the highest in future.
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