Species Composition and Density of Liana along the Watershed Area in Pergau, Jeli, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

A preliminary inventory of liana species composition and density in 0.15 ha of a managed watershed area in Pergau, Jeli northern part of Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia operated by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, recorded a total of 67 liana individuals (≥1 cm dbh) belonging to six genera and five families. The overall liana population density was equivalent to 446 ha−1. The Shannon-Wiener and Fisher’s α indices of the inventory were low with 1.44 and 1.59 respectively. Simpson value index was intermediate high, 0.80. Gynochthodes umbellata was found to be the most abundant species comprising 26.8% of the proportional abundance with density of 120 ha−1. Epipremnum giganteum was recorded as the second most abundant species with 22.4% of abundance and population density of 100 ha−1. The Agelaea sp. comprising of 19.4% of abundance, equivalent to a liana density of 86.7 ha−1. The least abundance was Uncaria sp. with 8.9% of the proportional abundance and density of 40ha−1. Both Spatholobus auritus and Marsedenia maingayi were among the three least proportional abundance of 11.9% and 10.5% whilst the population density of 53.3 ha−1 and 46.7 ha−1 respectively. It could be suggested that ecosystems along the Sungai Long II in Pergau have been disturbed, based on the high abundance of liana. Nevertheless, the existence of lianas within the vicinity play a vital ecological services in sustaining ecosystem productivity through nutrient cycling and also food provisions for frugivore fauna. To ensure the stability of the ecosystem, regular silviculture treatment should also be executed in the highly liana infected area. The uniqueness of certain liana stems tangling in the area could be part of tourist attraction in Pergau, Jeli.