Distribution and Rarity of Rhizophoraceae in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

This paper attempts to review the distributions and rarity of Rhizophoraceae in Peninsular Malaysia. Results presented were from plot studies (11 sites), random field surveys (3 sites) and previously published reports. The primary data were from four sites in Johor (Belungkor Forest Reserve, Pulai Forest Reserve, Santi Forest Reserve and Tanjung Piai), four in Langkawi (Ayer Hangat, Sungai Kilim, Kisap Forest Reserve and Selat Tuba), two in Matang Forest Reserve (Compartment 49 and VJR), one in Selangor (West Port, Klang), one in Terengganu (Kuala Kemaman Forest Reserve), and one each in Melaka (Tanjung Tuan) and Negeri Sembilan (Port Dickson), respectively. Secondary data were obtained from reports of studies at Sungai Merbok Forest Reserve in Kedah, Matang mangrove forest in Perak, Sementa mangrove forest in Selangor, Kuala Sedili Forest Reserve, Johor, Terengganu mangrove forest, Terengganu and also a general survey throughout Peninsular Malaysia. All trees at 5 cm and above diameter were recorded in plot studies. A total of seven species from the family Rhizophoraceae were sampled at the study plots, the number of which ranged from two to six. The most common and highly abundant species in the study sites was Rhizophora apiculata with an estimated total of 1,184 trees (51.2 % of the total). Other abundant species were R. mucronata (25.5 %) and Ceriops tagal (12.2 %). The less abundant and restricted species in the study sites were Bruguiera cylindrica (3.80 %), B. gymnorrhiza (2.94 %), B. parviflora (4.06 %) and B. sexangula (0.30 %). Rhizophora stylosa, Ceriops decandra, Kandelia kandel and Bruguiera hainesii were only found from random surveys and not in plot studies and are considered rare species. The Rhizophora x lamarckii and R. x annamalayana are considered very rare and endangered and were only found in Selat Kuah, Langkawi and Pulai Forest Reserve and Merbok Forest Reserve, respectively.