Degrading Large Old Tree Population Deserves More Conservation Effort: A Case of Endangered Barringtonia racemosa in Tropical Rural China

Abstract

The large old tree population of Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Spreng plays a crucial ecological and cultural role in rural areas (Danzhou, tropical China). This study investigates the population structure, demographic characteristics, and conservation status of B. racemosa in remnant forest stands. The findings reveal a skewed distribution towards smaller to intermediate-size classes, with a significant decline in larger-size classes. The static life table highlights high mortality rates in the early stages and moderate survivorship in mid-size classes, indicating a bottleneck in the transition from medium to larger-size classes. The study identifies external interference as a potential threat to the B. racemosa population. Based on these findings, a multifaceted conservation approach is proposed to integrate traditional ecological knowledge, implement community-based conservation programs, enhance habitat protection and restoration, and strengthen legal protection and policy support. This research underscores the critical role of large old trees in ecosystem health. It highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies to preserve these vital components of natural landscapes in rural China.