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 .