A 20-ha permanent monitoring plot for subtropical forest will be established in Ailao Mountains by Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), on the basis of the 6-ha plot. The preparation work was launched in late 2013. Up to March 2014, site selection, mapping, and positioning have been completed. The field work for biodiversity census is expected to be completed in 2014.

The functions of the 20-ha subtropical forest dynamics plot are to monitor tree species diversity, and abundance, as well as tree growth and survival on long term basis to enable the study of forest dynamics. It will be monitored for scientific research on forest sciences and climate change. It will also generate deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind changes in biomass and carbon storage in subtropical forests, and create extensive data sets on structural elements of the forest floor in addition to the live overstory.

By using the scientific facilities of XTBG Ailaoshan Forest Ecosystem Research Station and well-preserved natural subtropical forest, the Ailaoshan Subtropical Forest Dynamics Plot is expected to provide a better platform for the long-term studies of the structure, function and dynamics of subtropical forest ecosystem in Southwestern China.

Plot positioning

Field work