Point pattern analysis of extremely small populations of Meconopsis georgei

Understanding the spatial patterns of species distributions and underlying mechanisms is important to characterize population dynamics and to provide insights for conservation management． To study the distribution pattern of the extremely small population species Meconopsis georgei, and to develop targeted strategies for the conservation of this species, a spatial point pattern analysis was done in the only known distribution area of Meconopsis georgei． Within this area, three sample plots were set up, all individuals within the sample plots were recorded, with juveniles (non-flowering individuals) and adults (flowering individuals) distinguished． Data showed that on small scales, Meconopsis georgei showed a clear aggregated distribution, while on medium and large scales, this aggregation was diminished． The main reason for aggregation at small scales was dispersal limitation, while habitat filtering was found to also affect the spatial distribution at medium and large scales． Bivariate point pattern analysis suggested that the highest aggregation of juvenile individuals was observed in Meconopsis georgei, while increased intraspecific competition led to a closer random distribution of adult individuals． The above data suggest that for the conservation of Meconopsis georgei, it is particularly important to ensure successful seed dispersal by adult plants and to improve seed dispersal ability, conservation of the species should be accompanied by protection of habitat．