5. CONCLUSIONS
In this study, we found significant increases in tree density and size
of the rare and endanger oak species Q. chungii . However, the
high mortality probabilities from seeds to seedlings and saplings
suggest a potential risk of regeneration failure and population decline
in the future. The low transition probability from seeds to seedlings
could be the reasons of high predation pressure of seedlings from
mammals, sensitivities of seed germination to precipitation and
temperature. These highlight the importance to study the impacts of
multitrophic interactions and climate change on Q. chungii population dynamics in the future. This study improves the prediction of
population development of Q. chungii and provide theoretical
guidance for the conservation of Q. chungii .