Tree Species Richness, Diversity and Distribution at Sungai Menyala Forest Reserve, Negeri Sembilan

Abstract

Tree species richness, diversity and distribution within the Sungai Menyala Forest Reserve, Negeri Sembilan was assessed by establishing 6.91 ha plots. All tree > 5 cm DBH were sampled and identified to species level. Species diversity was defined as a combination of species richness and evenness. For this study, species richness is measured by Margalef’s and Menhinick’s diversity indices. The diversity indices used in this study are Shannon-Weiner diversity index, Simpson’s diversity index, Heip’s index of evenness and Berger-Parker Dominance. Species-accumulation curve was plotted to measure the species and family richness and diversity in Sungai Menyala FR. A total of 1034 individual trees representing 150 species, 87 genera and 34 families were recorded. Compartment 12 (C12) show the highest species richness value of Margalef Index and Menhinick Index which are 12.31 and 5.20 respectively. C12 showed the highest species richness by accumulation curve analysis. The ANOVA analysis for each diversity index to species and family composition showed no significant difference.