Spatial Autocorrelation Analysis on the Distribution of Mangrove in China

Distribution of the mangroves at 21 localities in China was studied by using spatial autocorrelation analysis. Results showed that the numbers of mangrove species at the 21 localities were positively autocorrelated. The index of Moran`s I was 0.5144±0.1830. Five distributional types of mangrove were obtained according to the spatial autocorrelation of each mangrove species using nominal data. The classification of the distribution types reflected the actual spatial patterns of mangroves. The spatial pattern of mangrove species was affected by environmental conditions, migration and isolation barriers, naturally. Nowaday, human`s interference plays an increasing role in the distribution of mangrove.