Invasive Alien Species Plants in Sukaraja Atas Resort, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park

Abstract

One of the problems encountered by the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS) is the presence of invasive alien species. Invasive alien species are plants that grow outside their natural distribution and have the ability to cover the area; hence it could suppress the growth of the other plants. The presence of invasive alien species in the national park has been widely reported to cause negative impacts on the ecosystem, local biodiversity, socio-economic, and human health in the vicinity. This study was carried out in the rehabilitation zone of the Sukaraja Atas Resort of TNBBS that had shifted into open land. This study aimed to determine the species and dominance of invasive alien species that exist. The sampling method was used by laying plots consisted of the combination of the line and multiple plot methods with a total plot of 25 plots. Data analysis was performed by selecting invasive alien species observed based related-literature, while the dominance of invasive alien species was calculated by the importance value index (IVI). The results identified 121 species, of which 29 species or 35% of them were classified as invasive alien, which originating from 19 families. Three invasive alien species become the most dominating, namely: Clidemia hirta with an IVI of 22.61, Imperata cylindrica with an IVI of 18.03, and Calliandra calothyrsus with an IVI 17.96. The environmental conditions and species characteristics supported the three invasive alien species domination; hence it inhibited the growth of native species. Keywords: Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, invasive alien species, rehabilitation zone