Corridors of Suitable Distribution of Betula platyphylla Sukaczev Forest in China Under Climate Warming

Betula. platyphylla Sukaczev ( B. platyphylla ) forest is an important montane forest type. Global warming has impacted its distribution. However, how it affects suitable distribution across ecoregions and corresponding biodiversity protection measures remains unclear. This study used the Maxent model to analyze the suitable distribution and driving variables of B. platyphylla forest in China and its four ecoregions. The minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model was applied to construct corridors nationwide. Results show that B. platyphylla forest in China is currently mainly distributed in the four ecoregions; specifically, in Gansu and Shaanxi Province in Northwest China, Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China, Sichuan Province in Southwest China, and Hebei Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in North China. Precipitation and temperature are the main factors affecting suitable distribution. With global warming, the suitable areas in China including the North, Northwest China ecoregions are projected to expand, while Northeast and Southwest China ecoregions will decline. Based on the suitable areas, we considered 45 corridors in China, spanning the four ecoregions. Our results help understand dynamic changes in the distribution of B. platyphylla forest in China under global warming, providing scientific guidance for montane forests’ sustainable development.