Conserving Large Old Trees in Guangxi, South China: Diversity, Distribution, and Preservation Strategies

Large old trees (LOTs) are important living monuments with historical significance, landscape esthetics, and ecological functions. Understanding LOT diversity, spatial distribution, and conservation status is critical for implementing effective targeted protection measures. However, although there are numerous LOTs across Chinese provinces, a comprehensive analysis of LOTs' diversity and distribution of LOTs in Guangxi Province is lacking. Using publicly available government data and field surveys, we assessed the taxonomy, species, spatial distribution, and conservation status of LOTs aged > 500 years in Guangxi Province. We identified 2630 LOTs belonging to 149 species, 105 genera, and 48 families. Members of the Ficus (Moraceae), Camphora (Lauraceae), and Castanopsis (Fagaceae) genera were the most common, with Ficus virens, Camphora officinarum, and Ficus microcarpa representing the predominant species. A latitudinal gradient in the richness and diversity of LOTs was observed across 14 prefecture-level cities, with a progressive decline toward lower latitudes. This pattern likely reflects the influence of climatic conditions, historical land use, and urbanization intensity. Comparative health assessments demonstrated superior vitality in villages and farmlands (85.47%), scenic spots (90.3%), and wooded areas and plant nurseries (89.42%) compared to residential districts (78.94%). We recommend establishing an integrated ecological-cultural management strategy for LOT conservation in Guangxi, strengthening in situ protection of underrepresented LOTs, prioritizing the management of culturally unaffiliated taxa, and implementing habitat-specific strategies to ensure optimal conservation outcomes.