Conservation Strategy of a vulnerable species of ‘Rosewood’ (Dalbergia latifolia Roxb) by Insect Pollinator Identification

Abstract

Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia Roxb) is a vulnerable species with quality and commercial timbers. Hence, a conservation is necessary to prevent rosewood from extinction in the near future. Information on insect pollinators is fundamental for initiating the rosewood conservation in wildlife. Insect pollinators are highly beneficial to bring fertilization. This research aims to identify the insect pollinators on rosewood plants. The research was implemented in Purwodadi Botanic Garden used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replication. This research conducted when the flowers bloomed in September 2018 starting from 07.00 – 11.00 am. The insect abundance was calculated via a scoring method. The observation showed 5 types of the visiting insect pollinators in the rosewood collection of the Purwodadi Botanic Garden. Such five types of insects include Xylocarpa confusa, X. fenestrate, X. iridipennis, Apis cerrana, and Polistes metricus In term of the level of abundance, there are two species of pollinators found, namely X. confusa and A. cerana. Among the two, X. confusa is the most dominating species of pollinators on rosewood of around 25 bees. In accordance with the results of the research, it is necessary to develop a conservation strategy of X. confusa for rosewood in wildlife. One method of conserving the pollinator is by establishing a habitat to support the pollinators’ lives. The existence of X. confusa and A. cerana can preserve rosewood plants and save them from extinction.