Abstract:

To enable a scientific and precise evaluation of ancient tree reserve resources health status, so as to take timely and well-informed rejuvenation and protective measures, this study focused on 45 reserve resources of ancient Ficus virens in Liwan District, Guangzhou. A health evaluation system including three criteria layers of growth status (A), growth environment (B) and biological hazard (C) and 16 index layers was constructed, and growth and health indicators were systematically evaluated. The analytic hierarchy process was employed to determine indicator weights, compute health scores, and categorize health grades, followed by a comprehensive analysis of their overall health status. The results show that in the criterion layer, the weight of A is the highest (0.5396), followed by C (0.2970), and B is the lowest (0.1634). Among the 16 evaluation indicators, the damage degree of insect pests has the highest total weight value of 0.1465, indicating its most significant impact on the health evaluation of reserve resources of ancient trees. In contrast, the percentage of effective above-ground space has the lowest total weight value of 0.0197, suggesting its minimal influence on the health evaluation of reserve resources of ancient trees.The collective health status of the 45 ancient tree reserve resources individuals is favorable: 40 trees (88.89%) are classified as good, 5 trees (11.11%) are classified as moderate, and no ancient tree reserve resources are assessed as poor or very poor. This study has established a health evaluation methodology for reserve resources of ancient F. virens trees, providing a reference for subsequent health assessment and conservation efforts targeting ancient tree reserve resources.

Key words: ancient tree reserve resources, analytic hierarchy process, health status assessment, growth status, growth environment, biological hazards, Ficus virens