Distribution Patterns and Maintenance Mechanisms of Ancient Trees in Traditional Villages and Their Surroundings in Hebei Province, China

ABSTRACT Aim To understand the drivers shaping biodiversity in long‐inhabited anthropogenic landscapes, this study investigates how environmental filtering and cultural pressures jointly determine the species diversity and spatial distribution of ancient trees surrounding traditional villages. Location Focusing on 276 traditional villages in Hebei Province, North China, we aim to elucidate a dual maintenance mechanism that explains the persistence of this unique arboreal heritage. Method We employed a multi‐scalar approach, integrating GIS‐based spatial pattern analysis with a Bayesian structural equation model (SEM) to test hypothesised causal pathways influencing ancient‐tree attributes (species diversity, density, age and diameter at breast height). Results A total of 2514 ancient trees were documented, representing 82 species, with Styphnolobium japonicum , Platycladus orientalis and Pinus tabuliformis comprising over 60% of individuals. The overall age structure is predominated by younger, tier‐1 trees (100–299 years). Spatially, both villages and their ancient trees exhibit a significantly clustered distribution ( R < 1), with hotspots concentrated along the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains. The Bayesian SEM revealed that both natural and anthropogenic gradients slightly reduced species diversity ( β = −0.05). The model also identified the anthropogenic gradient as a strong, direct negative driver of tree density ( β = −0.33), while species diversity, in turn, markedly enhanced density ( β = 0.50). Main Conclusions We conclude that the diversity and distribution of ancient trees are governed by a critical dual mechanism: while broad anthropogenic pressures and environmental filters can limit species richness, cultural practices embedded within villages create conservation ‘refuges’ for relict populations. The positive effect of diversity on density underscores its functional importance. Therefore, conservation strategies must evolve from preserving individual trees to enhancing the species diversity of the entire cultural landscape to bolster long‐term resilience.