Invasion of dwarf bamboo into alpine snow‐meadows in northern Japan: pattern of expansion and impact on species diversity

• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9
• Publication Date: 2011-08-08T04:24:30Z
• Authors: Gaku Kudo; Yukihiro Amagai; Buho Hoshino; Masami Kaneko
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; Original Research

Abstract Recently, a dwarf bamboo species, Sasa kurilensis ; Poaceae, has invaded into alpine snow‐meadows in the wilderness area of Taisetsu Mountains, northern Japan. This species wide distribution range from lowland to sites snowy regions. Because formation dense evergreen culms and an extensive rhizome system, other plants are excluded following invasion by this bamboo, resulting low diversity. Dwarf originally inhabited leeward slopes pine ( Pinus pumila ) clumps During last 32 years, however, expanded its up 47% toward snow‐meadows, especially on southeastern facing slopes. rapid change may be related decrease soil moisture expansion annual growing period caused recent acceleration snowmelt time. A multiyear census revealed that density increased 30–150% during 2 rhizomes was 39 cm average. In addition vegetative growth, possibility migration seed dispersal also suggested genet analysis. With increase culm density, richness snow‐meadow vegetation decreased less than one‐quarter original level due intense shading bamboo. The these almost pristine environments isolated human activity implies global climate already influences ecosystem.