Population Status and Recovery Potential of Dalbergia odorifera Under Anthropogenic Disturbance: Evidence From Hainan Island, China

ABSTRACT

To investigate the survival status and population dynamics of wild populations of Dalbergia odorifera on Hainan Island, we adopted the non‐induced interview method combined with stratified typical sampling surveys of 15 typical 20 m × 20 m quadrats, using standardized diameter at breast height (DBH)‐based age class division as the foundational grouping basis, supplemented by multiple analytical population demographic methods such as static life table analysis. Results show that although the population is of growing type (young individuals account for 77.36%), there are structural gaps and false growth caused by the lack of elderly individuals. The survival curve approximates the Deevey Type II, with the second and fourth age classes as mortality peaks. The population is disturbance‐sensitive but has certain recovery potential. The study identified dual bottlenecks: high mortality of young individuals and loss of middle‐aged and elderly individuals due to illegal logging. Accordingly, a phased protection strategy is proposed—improving habitats for young individuals, strengthening patrols to prevent illegal logging for middle‐aged and elderly individuals, and conducting long‐term dynamic monitoring—providing theoretical support for the protection and sustainable utilization of this species' resources.