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Abstract Ancient tree resource is a category of forest genetic resources that garner significant interest due to their substantial historical, cultural, and scientific research value. This study conducted a comprehensive survey of the extant ancient tree resources within the Xingning Basin in Guangdong, and found that a total of 364 individual trees existed with the majority being classified as third-grade ancient trees, comprising 94.23% of the total. These ancient trees are distributed across 26 families, 33 genera, and 38 species, with a dominance of the Altingiaceae and Moraceae families. The predominant species include Ficusconcinna(Miq.) Miq.,Altingiagracilipes Hemsl., Castanopsishystrix Hook. f. & Thomson ex A. DC., Celtissinensis Pers., and Liquidambar formosana Hance. The ancient trees in the Xingning Basin demonstrate distinctive spatial distribution characteristics and high biodiversity, with a spatial kernel density of 0.172 trees/km and an altitudinal distribution ranging from 98 to 529 meters. According to the natural breakpoint method, the elevation zone from 92 to 278 meters has the richest ancient tree resources, with a total of 279 trees accounting for 76.65% of the overall count. Geographically, the northern and eastern sections of the basin, namely Luofu Town and Jingnan Town, exhibit the highest distribution densities, with 56 trees (15.38%) and 40 trees (10.99%) respectively, and a kernel density between 0.55 to 0.67 trees/km2. However, the overall growth condition of the ancient trees is deemed moderate, with 67.31% in a normal growth state, while 32.69% are in a weakened or endangered condition. It is thus essential to implement appropriate conservation and restoration measures for these weakened or endangered ancient trees to maintain their ecological value and biodiversity.
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2024, Vol. 37 
