Species spatial distributions in a warm-temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest in China

Spatial distribution is fundamental for understanding species coexistence mechanisms in forest communities. Here we comprehensively explored fine-scale spatial patterns of tree species in a secondary warm-temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest community in north China. Aggregated distribution patterns were predominant. Species functional traits had no significant effects on their spatial patterns. The aggregation intensity decreased with increasing DBH and abundance. The multivariate linear stepwise regression showed that abundance and maximum DBH were correlated with the aggregation intensity. Our results partially confirm that species attributes (abundance, DBH) and habitat heterogeneity may primarily contribute to spatial patterns and species coexistence in this secondary forest.