The role of high conservation value areas to maintaining ecological balance in oil palm plantations PT. Waimusi Agroindah, South Sumatera

Abstract

Currently, oil palm plantations must carry out environmentally friendly plantation activities, one of which is by maintaining the biodiversity in or around the plantation area. Biodiversity can also reduce pest attacks that can reduce oil palm productivity. The research activities were carried out at PT. Waimusi Agroindah by conducting an inventory of plant, mammal, and bird species in HCV areas and oil palm plantations (young, medium, and mature palms). The results of the research in the HCV area showed that there were 4 types of trees, 10 types of poles, 7 types of saplings, 4 understorey plants and seedlings, 4 types of mammals, and 34 species of birds. Within the HCV area, three species of mammals protected by the government were found, namely the silvery lutung (Trachypithecus cristatus) as many as 3 individuals, and three species of birds, namely Haliastur indus, Elanus caerulaus, and Anhinga melanogaster. In the oil palm plantation area, only understorey stands were found, but various types of mammals and birds were found. The number of species of mammals and birds found in HCV areas is higher than in oil palm plantations. The number of vegetation types in the HCV area is more diverse so that it can be used as a place for wildlife to live, both for forage plants and nests. This shows the need for HCV areas in biodiversity conservation and as an ecological balancer in oil palm plantation areas.