Village Fengshui forests contribute to the biodiversity conservation in mountainous villages: a case study of Pseudolarix amabilis

Pseudolarix amabilis is one of the most internationally influential ancient relict plants in China, and faces a multitude of threats, including habitat fragmentation, population isolation, and declining numbers. Fortunately, the Village Fengshui forests, sacred forests protected by Fengshui culture, has emerged as a potential refuge for the natural population of P. amabilis. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms by which the Village Fengshui forests safeguards the natural population of P. amabilis warrant in-depth exploration. To address this research gap, this study employed rigorous field investigations and community interviews to comprehensively assess the recruitment status, conservation behaviors, and extent of disturbances for the natural population of P. amabilis. Moreover, we selected the P. amabilis population in Linjiatang as a representative study case to elucidate the protective and management paradigm of P. amabilis Village Fengshui forests. The results were as follows：(1) The diameter at breast