Exploration of plant diversity at the forest patches in North Sulawesi and Their Conservation Strategy

Abstract

North Sulawesi is one of the provinces which is included in the Wallacea area which is the world’s source biological diversity and endemism hotspot. Forest fragmentation and population growth is the greatest threat to a variety of Wallacea endemic species. This study aims to explore the plant diversity in various forest patches in North Sulawesi and their conservation strategies. The research was conducted in 7 forest locations. This research uses exploration method. Exploration results found 259 collection numbers consisting of 154 species, 114 genera and 53 families. Orchidaceae is the most commonly family found (48 species and 26 genera), followed by Moraceae (18 species) and Piperaceae (16 species). Four species of Begonia were identified as endemic Sulawesi, 3 number potential as new species. Potential of new species is also likely on the Alpinia spp. (Zingiberaceae) and Piper spp. because has a large variety. Forest patches in the study area still have a high variety of species but mostly surrounded by people’s gardens and exploited potentially. In situ conservation complementary with ex situ is a conservation strategy which needs to be carried out.