Effects of the second generation wild boar grazing on species diversity and soil physicochemical properties of coniferous-broad-leaved mixed forest in Jiajin Mountain, China

Wild boar grazing significantly impacts species diversity and soil properties in coniferous-broad-leaved mixed forests of Jiajin Mountain, China. The study found that slight grazing disturbance (category III) maximizes plant diversity, with 172 vascular plant species recorded across 55 families and 117 genera. This includes the highest counts for trees, shrubs, and herbs compared to stronger or weaker disturbances. The research categorized four grazing intensities based on boar behavior and activity range, alongside a control (no disturbance). Soil physicochemical properties were also analyzed under these conditions. These findings provide critical insights for maintaining ecological stability in mixed forests, guiding scientific grazing management practices in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

HAO, J.-F., ZHOU, R.-H., YAO, X.-L., YU, J., CHEN, C.-L., XIANG, L., WANG, Y.-Y., SU, T.-C., QI, J.-Q.,. (2022). Effects of the second generation wild boar grazing on species diversity and soil physicochemical properties of coniferous-broad-leaved mixed forest in Jiajin Mountain, China. Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology, 46(2), 197–207. https://doi.org/10.17521/cjpe.2021.0107