Anti‐seasonal flooding drives substantial alterations in riparian plant diversity and niche characteristics in a unique hydro‐fluctuation zone

• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70036
• Publication Date: 2024-08-09T11:08:31Z
• Authors: Ye Liu; Xiaodie Duan; Xiaoling Li; Wenxiong Yi; Gong Chen; Jin Yang; Danli Deng; Xiaojuan Guo; Zhengjian Yang; Guiyun Huang; Meixiang Hu; Chen Ye
• Keywords: Plant Diversity

Abstract Human‐induced disturbances such as dam construction and regulation have led to widespread alterations in hydrological processes thus substantially influence plant characteristics the hydro‐fluctuation zones (HFZs). To reveal utilization of limited resources mechanisms inter‐specific competition species co‐existence communities based on niche breadth overlap under different HFZs Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) China, we conducted a field investigation with 368 quadrats effects diversity characteristics. The results showed anti‐seasonal flooding precipitated gradual disappearance original diverse niches, resulting reduction richness functional more obvious among similar resource requirements. Annuals, perennials shrubs accounted for 71.23%, 27.39% 1.37%, respectively, suggesting that annuals flood‐tolerant riparian herbs were favored novel conditions. A consistent increase number, Shannon‐Wiener index Simpson dominance altitude was inconsistent hump‐shaped diversity–disturbance relationship intermediate disturbance hypothesis, while opposite trend observed Pielou evenness index. This distribution pattern might be caused by several synergetic attributes (e.g., submergence depth, tolerant capacity flooding, life form, dispersal mode competition). Vegetation types shifted from xerophytes mesophytes eventually hygrophytes increasing time HFZs. Hydrological proved paramount driver vegetation analysis provided first insights competition, which could germinate quickly after soil drainage achieve greatest competitive advantages occupy larger space than other plants. still early stage primary succession forests. Therefore, restoration strategies should biased towards herbaceous plants, due better environmental adaptability, supplemented small trees. establish complete reference system restoration, natural monitory plots stages established TGR, their conditions, community structures relationships further analyzed.