Changes in species composition in lucidophyllous forests around Shinto shrines and temples in Kanto, Japan

Abstract

Protected temple and shrine forests, where natural vegetation can persist for number of years, are valuable in Japan. Such forests, however, have gradually diminished due to urbanization and other human intrusions. Documenting the changes in species compositions observed during the past 30 years in lucidophyllous forests around the temples and shrines in Kanto ,Japan, can aid conservation efforts in these forests. On comparing the past and present species compositions, the following patterns were revealed: (1) bird-dispersed species from natural forests as well as ornamental and garden species had increased, and (2) deciduous secondary forest species had decreased. From these findings, it is deduced that succession shifted to include ornamental and garden species.