The diversity of tree species at the buffer zone of Karst Citatah, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Karst area is an ecosystem type that has an important function as water conservation. It is essential to know the composition and structure of the trees species of the karst area. This current study aims to determine the diversity of species and their potential in the buffer zone of Karst Citatah, West Java, Indonesia. The data on tree species composition were collected by using a plot employed on a community forest land, which was spread in three villages. Vegetation analysis was conducted by a census (100%) in all selected sampling areas. The importance value index (IVI) showed that sengon species (Paraserianthes falcataria) were dominant, both rejuvenation level (79.23) and tree-level (165.71). The diversity index of rejuvenation level was very stable as it had a range of H’ > 2 compared to the tree level that had a range of H’ value 1-2. The dominance index was only seen at the tree level, i.e., sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria) species, where the C value was one. At the level of rejuvenation, there was no visibility of the domination of one species to other species. The similarity index at rejuvenation level and tree-level were quite high (> 55%). The regeneration at the rejuvenation level grows well until it reached the tree level. The suggested pattern of management that is suitable according to the vegetation structure in the research area is a public forest with a mixed garden system.