Tugai forests represent key riparian ecosystems of the arid landscapes of Central Asia, where vegetation dynamics are strongly influenced by seasonal hydrological variability and increasing anthropogenic pressure. Assessing the population structure of dominant shrub species can provide important insights into the condition and resilience of these floodplain ecosystems. This study examines the demographic structure, vitality, and morphological variability of Lycium dasystemum populations in the Syr Darya River valley. Field surveys were conducted in six subpopulations located in Tugai forests differing in hydrological conditions and levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Population structure was assessed using ontogenetic spectra, ecological density, and regeneration indices, while vitality indices and morphological traits were analyzed to evaluate population condition and phenotypic variability. Species turnover dominated beta-diversity patterns (beta sim up to 81%), indicating floristic differentiation among the studied communities. Clear spatial differences in demographic parameters were detected among subpopulations. Subpopulations occurring in relatively stable habitats showed more balanced ontogenetic spectra, higher vitality indices, and signs of active regeneration, whereas subpopulations exposed to stronger anthropogenic pressure were characterized by demographic imbalance, reduced recruitment, and lower ecological density. Morphological analyses revealed moderate phenotypic plasticity, suggesting that some traits may be associated with local floodplain habitat conditions. These findings indicate that maintaining suitable floodplain moisture conditions and regulating grazing pressure may contribute to the persistence of L. dasystemum populations and the conservation of Tugai vegetation in the Syr Darya basin.
Hydrological Regime and Anthropogenic Pressure Shape the Population Structure of Lycium dasystemum in Tugai Forests of the Syr Darya Basin
Fenu G.
Ultimo
2026-01-01
Abstract
Tugai forests represent key riparian ecosystems of the arid landscapes of Central Asia, where vegetation dynamics are strongly influenced by seasonal hydrological variability and increasing anthropogenic pressure. Assessing the population structure of dominant shrub species can provide important insights into the condition and resilience of these floodplain ecosystems. This study examines the demographic structure, vitality, and morphological variability of Lycium dasystemum populations in the Syr Darya River valley. Field surveys were conducted in six subpopulations located in Tugai forests differing in hydrological conditions and levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Population structure was assessed using ontogenetic spectra, ecological density, and regeneration indices, while vitality indices and morphological traits were analyzed to evaluate population condition and phenotypic variability. Species turnover dominated beta-diversity patterns (beta sim up to 81%), indicating floristic differentiation among the studied communities. Clear spatial differences in demographic parameters were detected among subpopulations. Subpopulations occurring in relatively stable habitats showed more balanced ontogenetic spectra, higher vitality indices, and signs of active regeneration, whereas subpopulations exposed to stronger anthropogenic pressure were characterized by demographic imbalance, reduced recruitment, and lower ecological density. Morphological analyses revealed moderate phenotypic plasticity, suggesting that some traits may be associated with local floodplain habitat conditions. These findings indicate that maintaining suitable floodplain moisture conditions and regulating grazing pressure may contribute to the persistence of L. dasystemum populations and the conservation of Tugai vegetation in the Syr Darya basin.
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