Abstract
We studied 1) the relationships of species richness of herbaceous plants to environmental variables such as area and shape, or to artificial disturbances and 2) species distribution pattern and characteristics of the species that are likely to depart from nested distribution pattern (species recorded at a lower-level subset are entirely embedded within an upper-level subset) at 14 precincts of shrines (non-forest area with unpaved surface) in Kyoto city, for acquiring basic information about conservation of biodiversity at urban area. Consequently, there was a strong relationship between species richness and area. Alien species richness significantly had negative partial correlation with the percentage of tramped area and positive partial correlation with the percentage of clearing management area. Since species distribution was significantly nested, conservation from the upper-level subsets was basically a better option. However, perennials and the species recorded at one precinct tended to depart from nested pattern. Some red-listed species were recorded at the lower-level subsets. Conserving several precincts including the lower-level ones was deemed necessary.
