Diversity and composition of tree species in mature stands along an altitudinal gradient on Mt.Fuji

We report diversity and composition of trees at four sites along the Shoji Trail, northwest slope of Mt. Fuji, as a part of a project examining diversity-altitude relationships of microorganisms. We established four study sites (about 1ha/site) at altitudes of 1100 m, 1550 m, 1900 m and 2250 m in mature forests and surveyed trees (> 1.3 m in height). Forests were dominated by Quercus-Fagus at lower elevations, while Abies and Tsuga exclusively dominated at higher elevations. The observed pattern in tree species composition along the attitudinal gradient is typical at climax forest stages in the Pacific Ocean side of Japan. Species diversity generally decreased with altitude. Occurrence of large Larix and Betula at the highest site indicates the effect of disturbances. Primary forests are scarce and fragmented in most part of Japan. The unmanaged forests along the Shoji Trail can provide valuable fields to examine biological adaptations and responses of organisms to changing environments along an altitudinal gradient.journal articl