The diversity of small mammal and vegetation at timberlines in central Taiwan

Timberlines are the most significant feature at alpine meadows. Small mammals living at timberlines may contribute to its formation and maintenance by foraging selectively or redistributing critical nutrients, which often vary (decrease) with slopes. We tested the hypotheses that species diversity was higher at forest edges, and would decline with slope.  Six 20x80 m sample plots at 3 different slopes along timberlines at an alpine meadow were established. We monitored small mammal and plant diversity in each plot bimonthly for a year. The results showed that 1) the diversity (measured by Shanon Diversity Index) and the number of species of small mammal were both higher at edges; 2) the number of plant species was higher at edges; 3) the number of plant species was higher at down slopes: 4) no consistent pattern existed for the diversity of plant species. The results suggested that the ecological features of forest edges may interact with slope to affect species diversity along timberlines.