Ecological Niches, Interspecific Associations, and Species Diversity of Herbaceous Plants in Parabolic Dunes of the Ebinur Lake Basin in Northwestern China

To clarify the ecological characteristics of herbaceous plants on parabolic dunes in the Ebinur Lake Basin and to support regional ecological conservation, this study focused on herbaceous species with an importance value ( IV ) > 1%. Standard ecological indices and analytical approaches were used for assessment. The results showed the following. (1) A total of 12 herbaceous species were recorded, belonging to 10 genera and 7 families. The ranking of niche breadth showed no clear qualitative association with IV. (2) Niche overlap ( Oik ) among species was generally high. Fifty-eight species pairs had Oik > 0.60. Most herbaceous species differed only slightly in their environmental and resource requirements, indicating interspecific competition. (3) Overall species associations were significantly positive. The ratios of positive to negative associations were 12.2 based on the χ 2 test, the interspecific association coefficient ( AC ), and Spearman rank correlation. Species were strongly associated. The community was at the mid-successional stage. (4) Diversity indices followed a normal distribution. The community showed moderate richness and evenness, with pronounced dominance. For future conservation, species with similar ecological preferences and biological traits should be selected. Management should adjust and optimize species composition to improve resource use efficiency and enhance community stability.