Applying niche theory to endangered plant conservation: analyzing habitat optimization pathways using Rosa anemoniflora as a case study

Niche theory is a cornerstone of ecology for understanding species coexistence. However, its application to guide conservation remains challenging. This study focuses on Rosa anemoniflora , a threatened plant endemic to China, and adopts a novel perspective by shifting from traditional interspecific niche comparisons to the analysis of intraspecific variation in niche breadth. We quantified niche breadth across different habitats using a newly developed circular sliding window technique, and then applied correlation, regression, and structural equation modeling to identify key soil factors associated with greater expression of intraspecific niche breadth. Our results indicate that high niche overlap in the herb layer may constrain population regeneration. Notably, soil total potassium (TK) and available potassium (AK) showed contrasting associations with niche breadth: TK was positively correlated, while AK was negatively correlated. This pattern suggests that variation in soil potassium status is closely associated with differences in the realized niche breadth of R. anemoniflora . Our sliding window–based analytical approach provides a methodological pathway for applying niche theory to precision conservation by linking fine-scale environmental variation to intraspecific niche expression. The approach offers a potentially transferable strategy and practical guidance for conserving other threatened species.