Abstract:Spatial patterns reflect the distribution characteristics of populations and the adaptions of populations to environmental resources and ecological processes. Dispersal limitation, inter- and intraspecific competition, and habitat heterogeneity all influence species distribution. In addition, species are affected by local temperature, precipitation, and terrain. Therefore, the relationship among species distribution patterns, landscape indices, and environmental factors are important in population studies affected by changing climates. To reveal these relationships, Korean pine, the dominant species in the Small Khingan Mountains, at the northern boundary of its distribution range, was selected to analyze its distribution patterns at multi-spatial scales. The point pattern analysis and landscape pattern metrics were calculated at eight spatial scales (90 m×90 m resolution) using R package (Spatstat 1.42-1) and FRAGSTATS (Version 4.2), based on presence/absence data derived from forest inventory maps and attributed data. The results from the point pattern analysis showed that Korean pine was aggregated in small scales, random distribution areas surround an aggregated pattern, and uniform distribution areas were often mosaicked in aggregated pattern areas. However, the distribution pattern of Korean pine was more aggregated with an increasing spatial scale because the aggregated distribution area increased, especially in the core area of this region. Meanwhile, random distribution areas occurred at the edge of aggregated distribution areas, and uniform distribution areas disappeared from the core area. The results from the landscape pattern analysis indicated that landscape pattern indices could be used to describe an aggregated distribution at multi-spatial scales since the landscape metrics were most stable, or changes were logarithmic; whereas landscape pattern indices dramatically fluctuated with changing spatial scales for the others. The analyses also revealed that Korean pine was sensitive to slope and elevation; most individuals were distributed on flat slopes or elevations between 200 and 800 m. Korean pine distribution was not affected by this aspect. Based on the above results, we concluded that 1) Korean pine was primarily aggregated in the core area of its distribution, and was randomly distributed at the borders or ecotones; 2) presence/absence data of specie was more likely to be implemented in analysis of population distribution type at multi-spatial scales; 3) with changing spatial scales (or extents), species distribution patterns changed, e.g., the random and uniform distribution areas at small scales often merged into aggregated distribution areas at large scales; 4) landscape pattern indices could not completely describe species distribution patterns at a single scale, but at a multi-spatial scale, stable changes in landscape indices indicated an aggregated distribution, while unstable changes resulted in uniform or random distribution; 5) Korean pine was sensitive to slope and elevation. Elucidation of the spatial patterns of Korean pine aids in understanding its distribution mechanisms, future migration, climate change effects, and promotes strategies for its effective conservation and management.