Characteristics of Growth and Survival in Lychnis kiusiana Makino: Insights from Translocation Experiments

This study aimed to identify the key environmental factors influencing the survival and growth of the endangered plant Lychnis kiusiana Makino through translocation experiments across different sites (sites A, B, C; A = shady, B = partial shady, C = sunny). The analysis revealed strong correlations between survival and growth with factors such as soil moisture, soil electroconductivity, coverage, and light. Utilizing a multimodel inference approach, which accounts for complex interactions among environmental variables, the study found that coverage and soil electroconductivity were the most significant predictors of survival, while soil moisture was the primary factor affecting growth. Coverage played a crucial role in early survival by regulating the microclimate, providing shading effects, and aiding in soil moisture retention. Soil electroconductivity, an indicator of nutrient availability, was positively associated with higher survival rates, suggesting the importance of nutrient-rich environments for the establishment of Lychnis kiusiana . Soil moisture was identified as a vital element for the survival and growth of wetland plants, especially during the initial translocation phase when a stable water supply is essential. Despite the study’s focus on a single, restricted habitat with a small population size, it effectively identified the key factors driving survival and growth under varying environmental conditions. These findings offer valuable insights for understanding the habitat requirements of Lychnis kiusiana and provide fundamental data for the conservation and restoration of similar endangered species. The results of this study emphasize the need to strengthen restoration strategies through long-term monitoring, genetic analysis, and broader translocation experiments, and to develop sustainable conservation approaches. Ultimately, this research makes a significant contribution to the sustainable conservation of endangered plants and supports efforts for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancement, aligning with scientific objectives of sustainable environmental management and biodiversity conservation