Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park Research Articles

Using bycatch data to model sun bear Helarctos malayanus occupancy in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Sumatra

Abstract Surveys targeting flagship species frequently record the presence of other species, providing valuable bycatch data to fill knowledge gaps on the ecology of overlooked species. Using bycatch records from camera-trap surveys for the tiger Panthera tigris, we model occupancy of the sun bear Helarctos malayanus, predict its temporal change in occupancy during 2015–2019 and determine its activity patterns in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sumatra, Indonesia. We performed single-season occupancy modelling that considered unequal detection probability from sun bear detection/non-detection records. We found that the sun bear occupancy in the Intensive Protection Zone (i.e. the priority protection area) of the National Park was slightly higher than in the north of the National Park. In the Intensive Protection Zone, sun bear occupancy was estimated to be 0.67 in 2015 and increased to 0.83 in 2019, but this increase was not substantial. The sun bear exhibited a cathemeral activity pattern. Most activity occurred during the day (46.2%), followed by night (21.2%), dusk (20.9%) and dawn (11.7%). We encourage collaboration amongst institutions conducting camera-trap studies in Sumatra to examine the ecology of other threatened yet overlooked species, to assess the broader biodiversity benefits of flagship species conservation and to strengthen science-based conservation efforts.

ECOLOGY OF HORNBILL FOOD TREES AT BUKIT BARISAN SELATAN NATIONAL PARK

Hornbills play an important role in maintaining tree gene flow among fragmented populations in forests. But hornbill populations in Asia have been declining mainly due to loss of forest cover and poaching. The presence of hornbills in a forest is highly dependent on environmental factors such as the condition of food trees in their habitat. The purpose of this study was to determine the spatial distribution, dispersion patterns, density, and diversity of hornbill food trees at Sukaraja Atas Resort (SA) and Balik Bukit Resort (BB) of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP). We investigated a total of 10 transect (50 survey plots) for both SA and BB by collecting data on all types of hornbill food trees with a minimum diameter of 10 cm at breast height (DBH). We recorded 64 hornbill food tree species with a total of 98 individuals, which have a clumped and uniform dispersion pattern. This study showed that Lauraceae dominated in both resorts with the highest relative density. The results of the diversity index show that 9 transect have moderate diversity whereas 1 transect has low diversity; there was no significant difference between SA and BB. It can be concluded that the existing food trees in SA and BB may support the hornbill populations.

Pendapatan dan Kerentanan Petani Kopi Robusta di Sekitar Kawasan Taman Nasional Bukit Barisan Selatan

Robusta coffee is a plantation commodity that has high potential considering the trend of consumption and large production in several provinces in Indonesia, one of which is Lampung Province, but the increasing production has an impact on land use in the forest area of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS) for coffee farming activities. Moreover, the pandemic that hit around the world create new challenges in this coffee farming business. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the income level of coffee farming and the vulnerability of coffee farmer families due to the Covid-19 pandemic around TNBBS, both inside and outside TNBBS. Data analysis used farm income analysis and livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) analysis. The results of this study indicate that the income of farmers in the BBSNP area is smaller, namely Rp. 9,833,453.57 while outside the TNBBS area of ​​Rp. 12,571,781.31, the R/C ratio also shows that farming outside the region is the most profitable. Differences in the distance of farmers' land within the area and outside the area contributed greatly to this difference in number. The vulnerability of farming families inside and outside TNBBS is low to moderate in both LVI and LVI calculations considering the IPCC definition. Inadequate livelihood strategies and social networks in some farming households contributed to the LVI figures resulting from the analysis.

Effects of Characteristics and Perceptions of Collectors of Non-Timber Forest Products to be Members of the Partnership Program: A Case Study at Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia

Conservation partnerships are institutional innovations for self-empowering so that people are no longer dependent on forest areas. Initially, it regulated the relationship between the rights of non-timber forest product collectors (NTFPs) and their obligation to maintain sustainability, such as in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP). The high interest in becoming members has not been matched by the optimal implementation of the program that has been implemented since 2018 in the BBSNP traditional zone. Characteristics and perceptions are considered to have an influence on people's behavior in utilizing NTFPs and being interested in becoming members of the partnership. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of community characteristics and perceptions on the utilization of NTFPs and their desire to become members of the partnership. Data collection used interviews and literature studies, analyzed statistically inferentially in December 2022 by testing the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) hypothesis using the Smart PLS.4.0 software for students with a sample of 62 respondents, namely the partnership permit applicant community. The results of the hypothesis test showed that the characteristics and utilization of NTFPs variables influenced the community's interest in becoming members of the conservation partnership. Perceptions affect the utilization of NTFPs variables. The use of NTFPs acts as a mediator between perceptions and interest in becoming a member. Misperceptions about conservation partnerships affect the implementation of the program. When public perceptions are improved through outreach activities, coaching etc will shape the character of the community to develop livelihoods and productive activities outside the area and stimulate voluntary leaving of the area without social conflict with area managers.

Habitat Factors that Determine the Movement of Sumatran Elephants at Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park

Until now, conflicts between elephants and the community are still occurring, one of which is in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. This conflict has a negative impact on both elephants and society, so it is necessary to examine the habitat factors that determine the movement of Sumatran elephants. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the daily movement of the elephants and to analyze the habitat factors that influence elephant movement. Data was collected in the form of elephant movements in one period which were obtained from the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. 1-year results obtained from the GPS stated that there are two groups of elephants, the citra elephant group and the bunga elephant group. The results showed that groups of elephants in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park have lengths that ranged from 63 – 137 kilometers, with linear, zigzag and circular trajectories, and the frequency of points used is 2-6 repetitions with the time needed per-kilometers ranging from 110 – 518 minutes. Factors that influence elephant movement are track length, frequency of point used, time spent per-kilometers, altitude, slope, distance to settlements, distance to water sources, availability of feed, and availability of scrubbing trees

Function and effectiveness of Management of the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia

This study aims to determine the functional status of the area and the management effectiveness of the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP). The effectiveness of conservation area management is needed to determine success in managing conservation areas, especially those related to achieving management goals. The method used in this research is a literature study conducted in August-September 2022. Analysis of the management effectiveness of the BBSNP uses the METT (Management Effectiveness Tracking Tools) method which has been carried out by the BBSNP Center. The results showed that the level of effectiveness of BBSNP in the 2015-2019 strategic planning period was 77%. This achievement exceeded the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation Strategic Plan target for that period because the minimum index value was 70%. The status of BBSNP that year was Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra. So it is very possible that there is an intensive management strategy to maintain this status. The role of leadership and management support from all parties is needed to always maintain management effectiveness and optimize the area's functions according to the vision, mission and management objectives.

Biomass Productivity of Invasive Mantangan (Merremia peltata) under Various Canopy Covers

Mantangan (Merremia peltata) is the most important invasive species in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) due to its fast-growing and spreading that potentially damage and threat biodiversity conservation. The objectives of this study were to determine the biomass stock and productivity of mantangan and the nutrient content of mantangan biomass grown in various classes of canopy cover. Stratified sampling was employed as a sampling method on three classes of canopy cover, i.e., sparse (light intensity > 70%), medium (light intensity 40 -70%), and dense (light intensity < 40%). A destructive method was used to collect biomass samples. The biomass harvesting was conducted twice. The first was conducted to determine biomass storage and nutrient content, and the second was conducted a month later to measure biomass productivity. The macronutrient content (N, P, K, and C-Organic) of mantangan was analyzed at the Soil Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The results showed that the biomass stock and productivity differed in each canopy cover class. The highest biomass stock was found in sparse canopy cover (192 kg/ha), followed by medium (188 kg/ha) and dense (179 kg/ha). Biomass productivity was highest in sparse canopy cover (93 kg/ha/month), followed by medium (79 kg/ha/month) and dense (83 kg/ha/month), respectively. Surprisingly, the nutrient content and nutrient productivity of mantangan grown on medium canopy cover were higher than that of dense and sparse. Keywords: Biomass, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, invasive alien species, mantangan

Introducing IPOACHED: A conservation criminology-based framework to understand wildlife species targeted by poachers in protected areas

The criminogenic dimensions of conservation are highly relevant to contemporary protected area management. Research on crime target suitability in the field of criminology has built new understanding regarding how the characteristics of the crime targets affect their suitability for being targeted by offenders. In the last decade, criminologists have sought to apply and adapt target suitability frameworks to explain wildlife related crimes. This study seeks to build upon the extant knowledge base and advance adaptation and application of target suitability research. First, we drew on research, fieldwork, and empirical evidence from conservation science to develop a poaching-stage model with a focus on live specimens or wild animals- rather than a market stage and wildlife product-focused target suitability model. Second, we collected data in the Intensive Protection Zone of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP), Sumatra, Indonesia through surveys with local community members (n=400), and a three-day focus group with conservation practitioners (n= 25). Our target suitability model, IPOACHED, predicts that species that are in-demand, passive, obtainable, all-purpose, conflict-prone, hideable, extractable, and disposable are more suitable species for poaching and therefore more vulnerable. When applying our IPOACHED model, we find that the most common response to species characteristics that drive poaching in BBSNP was that they are in-demand, with support for cultural or symbolic value (n=101 of respondents, 25%), ecological value (n=164, 35%), and economic value (n=234, 59%). There was moderate support for the conflict-prone dimension of the IPOACHED model (n=70, 18%). Other factors, such as a species lack of passiveness, obtainability and extractability, hamper poaching regardless of value. Our model serves as an explanatory or predictive tool for understanding poaching within a conservation-based management unit (e.g., a protected area) rather than for a specific use market (e.g., pets). Conservation researchers and practitioners can use and adapt our model and survey instruments to help explain and predict poaching of species through the integration of knowledge and opinions from local communities and conservation professionals, with the ultimate goal of preventing wildlife poaching.

“I let it go:” Quantifying residential guardianship intentions when witnessing wildlife poaching

The need to engage communities in wildlife crime prevention is particularly salient at the poaching stage, especially in biodiverse areas where communities overlap with wildlife, and ample constraints to and concerns about formal law enforcement persist. Guardianship is a concept from criminology that examines the willingness of stakeholders to assume informal roles as protectors and intervene to disrupt crimes. While it is conceptually related to stewardship, elaborating criminology's concept of guardianship in conservation allows us to develop an understanding of situational and motivational factors, and the obstacles and opportunities for increased crime preventing interventions. We developed a Guardianship Intention Index (GII) that quantifies respondents' reported willingness to supervise, perceived ability to detect offenders, and willingness to intervene when witnessing wildlife poaching within communities (N = 10) adjacent to or living in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia. This allowed us to explore potential relationships between guardianship dimensions and attitudinal and demographic characteristics. Among our study population (N = 400), we found that demographic and attitudinal dimensions affected respondents' stated willingness to intervene and varied between interveners (e.g., call authorities) and those that stated non-intervention intentions (e.g., join in, ignore, covert monitoring). However, the same respondents that reported a high intention to intervene when witnessing poaching often expressed low willingness to supervise for illegal activities in the park. Parsing out differences in guardianship behavior and attitudes influencing those behaviors provides new entry points for community-based wildlife crime prevention and may facilitate efforts to increase incentives for wildlife stewardship, more broadly.

Multiple dimensions of biodiversity in paleotropical hotspots reveal comparable bat diversity

AbstractBat species commonly comprise at least 50% of tropical mammalian assemblages, but Afrotropical bat faunas have been little studied leading to perceptions that they are depauperate. Here, we compare alpha taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of insectivorous bats belonging to the narrow‐space foraging ensemble from a bat diversity hotspot in Nigeria to species‐rich sites in Indonesia and Malaysia, using previously published data. The Nigerian site is protected unlogged forests at Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Cross River National Park. For comparison, we targeted similar unlogged forest sites in Southeast Asia: Indonesia—Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park Forest in Sumatra; and Kakenauwe Forest Reserve on Buton Island, Sulawesi; and another in Malaysia—Krau Wildlife Reserve. All sites were sampled using comparable methods, with an emphasis on harp traps that effectively capture the forest‐interior ensembles. We also compare regional beta diversity of bat assemblages in ecoregions using occurrence data (literature, unpublished records, and online natural history collections) from the Lower Guinean Forest and the Malay Peninsula. We demonstrate comparable alpha taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of narrow‐space bats among sites in Nigeria and Indonesia, but greater diversity in Malaysia. Turnover and overall beta diversity of bats among ecoregions was comparable between the Lower Guinean Forest and the Malay Peninsula, but nestedness was higher in the latter. Our results reiterate the value of harp traps in generating bat survey data that allows equatable comparisons of “mist net avoiders” in the Paleotropical forest understory. Our findings have implications for regional and local bat conservation.

ANALISIS MITIGASI KONFLIK GAJAH SUMATRA (Elephas maximus sumatranus, Temmick 1874) DI TAMAN NASIONAL BUKIT BARISAN SELATAN

The conflict between elephants and humans occurs because elephants' habitat is undergoing land conversion to community plants that elephants like. Which causes elephants to enter estate plantations and settlements at night especially when the community's crops are ready to be harvested. This study was conducted to analyze conflict mitigation of elephants and human in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. Data was collected by interview survey to the national park officials, conservation partners and affected communities, then this data was analyzed using descriptive analysis. The research was conducted from April to June 2021 at Pemerihan Resort Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. The results showed that the mitigation carried out by officials, conservation partners and the community was quite effective in driving elephants away from plantations and settlements in the short term. Conflict mitigation is carried out by installing a GPS Collar to monitor the movement of Sumatran elephants so that when the wild elephants approach plantations and settlements, expulsion can be carried out immediately using firecrackers. This mitigation was chosen because it did not injure the elephants. Planting plants that do not like elephants can be done to reduce the occurrence of conflict, in addition to monitoring and further research related to conflict, mitigation needs to be done in order to determine its effectiveness.

Can the Implementation of Conservation Village Increase the Environmental Support in Forest Management in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Lampung, Indonesia?

This study analyzes the success of implementing a conservation village in obtaining environmental support in forest management in the Bukit Barisan National Park. This research uses a qualitative case study method, reinforced by a desk review of relevant research literature. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of how successful policy implementation was Conservation Village in economic and conservation-based community empowerment in the TNBBS area. The success of policy implementation is reviewed by analysis of marketing policies and further analysis using a matrix of environmental reactions to policy implementation. The study results indicate that marketing policies in terms of policy acceptance and adoption have failed/successful and in terms of strategic readiness, successful with the establishment of a conservation task force tasked with managing and monitoring forest products and implementing this conservation village agreement. The community is an important part of the policy. The village government fully supports being the implementer of the policy. It is manifested in the form of providing access and facilities and for NGOs to provide full support through the provision of budgetary resources and facilitators for training and counseling related to building awareness to save forests.

Spatial distribution and temporal patterns of food tree availability of hornbills (Bucerotidae) at Way Canguk Research Station, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia

Abstract. Fitriansyah RA, Setiawan A, Rustiati EL, Utoyo L, Sibarani MC. 2022. Spatial distribution and temporal patterns of food tree availability of hornbills (Bucerotidae) at Way Canguk Research Station, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1990-1997. The presence of hornbills in an area is associated with food availability. As more food sources become available, the hornbill population in the area may increase. The purpose of this research was to determine the spatial distribution of hornbill food trees and to determine the long-term temporal fruiting pattern of hornbill food trees at Way Canguk Research Station (WCRS), Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia. We surveyed vegetation plots across the research station to assess the spatial distribution and analyzed long-term phenology survey data of the research station that have been collected from February 1998 to December 2020. We recorded 64 species of hornbill food trees with a total of 911 individuals in 197 of 200 survey plots. The temporal fruiting pattern of hornbill food trees during the last 22 years was relatively stable, with an average of fruiting tree percentage of 10.4% (SD: 3.2%, N: 260 months). The highest percentage of fruiting food trees occurred in September 2008, which amounted to 18.3% and the lowest percentage occurred in September 1998 with a percentage of 2.2%.

Role of siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) as seed dispersal agent in a Sumatran lowland tropical forest

Abstract. Adyn MF, Sibarani MC, Utoyo L, Surya RA, Sedayu A. 2022. Role of siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) as seed dispersal agent in a Sumatran lowland tropical forest. Biodiversitas 23: 2101-2110. Seed dispersal is mutualistic interaction between angiosperms and dispersal agents. One of the important dispersers for lowland tropical forests, including in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP), is siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus Raffles, 1821). This study aimed to determine the seed dispersal pattern, composition of dispersed seeds, and the seed fate dispersed by siamangs at Way Canguk Research Station, BBSNP, Lampung, Indonesia, from February-April 2021. We used the continuous focal sampling method to observe siamang behavior, while the purposive sampling method collected feces and seeds. Siamangs dispersed endozoochory dominantly, all fecal contained seeds, deposited more in the morning, and more scattered than clumped. With a gut passage time of 22.5 ± 3 hours, the seed dispersal distance was 223.9 ± 142 meters from the parents. Seeds < 3 mm were more numerous, but seeds > 3 mm were dispersed more often. Siamang was recorded to disperse a mean of 3.3 ± 1.4 species/feces, and 22 species were dispersed. The germination test showed that only 28% of total planted seeds successfully germinated. Based on in situ monitoring, the remaining deposit sites only accounted for 12% of total records, while the germination rate of dispersed seeds from these deposit sites varied. Further studies are needed with a larger sample to test the consistency of these findings.

PENILAIAN KERUSAKAN POHON AKIBAT AKTIVITAS WISATA DI BUMI PERKEMAHAN KUBU PERAHU TAMAN NASIONAL BUKIT BARISAN SELATAN (TNBBS)

Kubu Perahu Camp Ground is the tourist destinations in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS), located in Pekon Kubu Perahu, Balik Bukit District, West Lampung Regency. This area is an intensive utilization zone as a tourist location. The number of tourist activities in Kubu Perahu area, can cause various impacts, one of the impacts that can be observed is damage to trees. The purpose of this study is to determine the status of damage to trees in Kubu Perahu Camp Ground. The study was conducted using the Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) method. The results showed there were three tree damage locations with the most damage locations, namely 29 trunk locations (code 3); type of damage to trees with the type of damage that is open wounds caused by stabbing and cutting sharp objects; with an average tree damage level of 20%. Based on the data analysis, it is known range value 2.9-4.4 belongs to Good category, there are 13 species of trees, range value 4.5-6.0 belonging to Medium category, there are no trees in this category, and range value 6.1-7.7 are classified as Bad category, there are 5 species of trees. The status of damage to trees in Kubu Perahu Camp Ground is in the category of 290 Good trees (97%), 0 medium trees (0%), and 8 trees bad (3%).

ANALISIS KONFLIK MANUSIA DENGAN GAJAH DI SEKITAR RESORT PEMERIHAN TAMAN NASIONAL BUKIT BARISAN SELATAN BERDASARKAN PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT KECAMATAN BENGKUNAT KABUPATEN PESISIR BARAT

Human-elephant conflict occurs due to the release of elephants from forest areas and into human settlements so that there is no balance between human and elephant welfare. This research was conducted to determine how people's perceptions of human-elephant conflict that occurred around the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park forest area during October 2020-November 2020. Structured interviews were collected for data collection, 45 respondents were selected by purposive sampling based on the slovin formula. Data analysis was performed using a Likert scale. The results showed that most of the community agreed with the indicator if human-elephant conflict was detrimental to humans (4.75) and reduced the community's economy (4.6). The conflict between humans and elephants creates negative perceptions of the community towards elephants, which are animals that eat and destroy plants. However, the community still has an awareness of the preservation of elephants so that they have a positive perception of elephants in the form of animals that need to be protected and can be used as tourist objects. The community will carry out a blockade and blockade if the elephants will enter the residential area to suppress the amount of conflict that occurs..

KELIMPAHAN BURUNG DI RESORT PEMERIHAN TAMAN NASIONAL BUKIT BARISAN SELATAN

The abundance of bird species in an area represents how conditions are in the area, such as the Pemerihan Resort, in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, as habitat for various wild bird species. The aim of research to analyze of abundance, diversity and conservation status of birds at the Pemerihan Resort. Data collection using the Point count method. The study recorded 76 bird species from 31 families with a total number of 1598 individuals. The highest relative abundance was the pacific swallow (Hirundo tahitica) with KR 23.59%, and the smallest abundance was the long-tailed shrike(Lanius schach), banded kingfisher (Lacedo pulchella), javan leafbird (Chloropsis cochinchinensis), red-bearded bee-eater (Nyctyornis amictus), red-billed malkoha (Phaenicophaeus javanicus), velvet-fronted nuthatch (Sitta frontalis), rufous piculet (Sasia abnormis), oriental dwarf-kingfisher (Ceyx erithacus), and indigo flycatcher (Eumyias indigo) 0.06%.  The higher the species abundance level indicates that the more diverse  species found. Many bird species found could benefit the management and the community around the Resort Pemerihan to protect these birds habitat. The data could benefit to implement sustainable use of the Resort, such as the development of birdwatching tourism by holding training guides for birdwatching by involving the community.

Diversity of Singing Birds at the Way Canguk Research Station, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park

Birds have an important role in controlling natural ecosystems. The presence of hunting traces every year indicates hunting at the Way Canguk Research Station. If this happens continuously, it can cause a decrease in the diversity and population of chirping birds. Therefore, this research needs to be carried out to determine the diversity, evenness, richness, relative density, as well as environmental factors that affect the chirping bird community, and the intensity of bird hunting in SPWC. The research was conducted at the Way Canguk Research Station, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, using the point count method.

Modeling the Impact of Climate Change on General Flowering in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Sumatera

In Southeast Asian dipterocarp forests, a general flowering (GF) occurs at the multiannual interval. At this phenomenon, at least 40% of the trees in the stands flower in synchrony, dominated by the flowering of the Dipterocarpaceae family that hypothesized to be caused by changes in climate factors, especially ENSO. This study aimed to determine the pattern of flowering trees in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) and to determine a model for predicting flowering patterns associated with climatic factors in 2021-2050. Flowers and fruits were observed every month from February 1998 to September 2020 at Way Canguk Research Station, BBSNP. The climatic factors used were temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, and the ENSO index. We used a generalized linear model to link climatic factors and flowering and model future flowering. The results showed no GF in BBSNP because the highest flower synchronization only reached 37.8%. The climatic factor with the highest coefficient was ENSO, but flowering was mostly influenced by fluctuations in climate factors, not its absolute value. The model estimated that the flowering in 2021 - 2050 will peak to 34.4% in December 2044 and further ensure good forest regeneration. Thus, BBSNP can still be suitable for conservation purposes.

Diversity, distribution and ecology of Davallia in Sumatra (Indonesia) and the nearby small islands

Abstract. Mildawati, Sobir, Sulistijorini, Chikmawati T. 2021. Diversity, distribution and ecology of Davallia in Sumatra (Indonesia) and the nearby small islands. Biodiversitas 23: 33-42. Davallia is an epiphytic fern genus that shows high morphological variations in many characters. This genus is widely distributed in the tropics and subtropic areas. The diversity of Davallia has not been explored and recorded in many regions, including in Sumatra Island and its surrounding small islands. Therefore, this research aimed to study the diversity of Davallia species in Sumatra and the nearby small islands based on morphological variation, as well as to investigate their distribution and ecology. Samples were collected from Kerinci Seblat National Park (NP), Bukit Tiga Puluh NP, Siberut NP, Sipora Island, North Pagai Island and South Pagai, Bukit Barisan Grand Forest Park, and Bukit Barisan Selatan NP. In total, 369 specimen sheets (i.e.145 specimens from field explorations and 224 specimens from Herbarium Bogoriense collections) were examined its morphological characters. The results showed that as many as 13 species of Davallia were recorded in Sumatra and the nearby small islands. The species found are D. angustata Wall., D. corniculata T. Moore, D. denticulata (Burm. f.) Kuhn var. denticulata, D. divaricata Blume, D. heterophylla Sm., D. hymenophylloides (Bl.) Kuhn, D. parvula Wall., D. pectinata Sm., D. pentaphylla Blume, D. repens Kuhn, D. solida (G.Forst.) Sw. var. solida, D. trichomanoides Blume var. lorranii (Hance) Holttum, D. trichomanoides Blume var. trichomanoides, and D. triphylla Hook. Ten of which were new records for this location. There were 12 spesies found in Sumatra Island except D. parvula Wall. and 11 species found on the small islands around Sumatra except for D. corniculata T. Moore and D. divaricata Blume. Davallia denticulata (Burm. F.) Kuhn var. denticulata and D. solida (G.Forst.) Sw. var. solida had the largest number of specimens found. Almost all species had a random distribution pattern at altitudes of 1000-1500 m above sea level.