Linking traditional and scientific knowledge to assess cultural keystone species in the Yangtze River Delta

Understanding cultural keystone species (CKS) is fundamental to preserving biocultural diversity, yet prior studies often focus on single species, qualitative data, and minority regions. This study examines CKS in a non‑indigenous rural area through three complementary analyses. A participatory survey (274 respondents) recorded 91 plant species, of which 42 were classified as CKS using quantitative criteria. Species with more uses had higher cultural importance. Social perception analysis identified income as a predictor of individual CKS valuation, while community‑level recognition showed no socio‑demographic association. Ecological analyses suggested that patch area was associated with shrub diversity in Lindera glauca communities, while associations in Quercus forests were not significant; in pond habitats, road proximity and pond area were related to herbaceous evenness. Together, these three analyses link plant‑use records, social perceptions, and habitat ecology through a common survey base and species list, providing a framework for integrating local knowledge with ecological assessment.