Highest Importance Value Index Research Articles

Population structure of Cotylelobium melanoxylon within vegetation community in Bona Lumban Forest, Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Susilowati A, Rachmat HH, Elfiati D, Kholibrina CR, Kusuma YS, Siregar H. 2019. Population structure of Cotylelobium melanoxylon within vegetation community in Bona Lumban Forest, Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 1681-1687. In many forests stand, Cotylelobium melanoxylon is hard to find in the wild at present day because its bark has been intensively harvested for traditional alcoholic drink and sold by kilogram in traditional market in North Sumatra and Riau. This activity has put the species into serious threats of their existence in their natural habitat. We conducted study to determine the population structure of the species at seedling to tree stage in Bona Lumban Forest, Central Tapanuli. We used purposive sampling by making line transect at forest area where C. melanoxylon naturally grow. There were four transects with each transect consisted of five plots in which nested plots were established to record data at four growth stages, resulting in 80 plots in total. The result showed that the Important Value Index (IVI) for C. melanoxylon were 66.33, 17.65, 11.82, 12.90; Diversity Index (H) were 2.9, 1.90,2.88, 2.53 and 12.90, Index of evenness (E) were 0.844, 0.534, 0.85, 0.935 and the Index of Richness (R) were 5.71, 7.13, 5.37, 3.67 for the stage tree, pole, sapling, and seedlings, respectively This result demonstrates that C. melanoxylon still grows naturally in Bona Lumban at all stages from tree to seedling. However, there might be a problem in its natural regeneration as there is big difference of its high IVI at tree stage compared to IVI value for its younger stages. The regeneration status of C. melanoxylon was also classified into fair. This might be generated from the condition that the existing mature trees remaining were no longer productive and healthy due to excessive harvesting for its bark.

Searching for potential wood biomass for green energy feedstock: A study in tropical swamp-peat forest of Kutai Kertanegara, Indonesia

Abstract. Amirta R, Haqiqi MT, Saparwadi, Septia E, Mujiasih D, Setiawan KA, Sekedang MA, Yuliansyah, Wijaya A, Setiyono B, Suwinarti W. 2019. Searching for potential wood biomass for green energy feedstock: A study in tropical swamp-peat forest of Kutai Kertanegara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 1516-1523. Recently, much attention has been focused on finding suitable plant species, from different forest ecosystems, having the potential to be used as sources of renewable energy. Most of such information was reported from the lowland forest area and only limited information is available regarding swamp-peat forest species, including their energy potency. Therefore, in this paper, plant diversity and energy potency of swamp-peat forest wood biomass were studied to reveal their potential as green energy feedstock. Physico-chemical characterization of wood biomass was performed using the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) protocols. Twenty-seven species of plants, consisting of 23 trees and 4 shrubs, belonging to 19 families were identified, amongst which Shorea balangeran had the highest importance value index (87.72%). The results showed that T. obovata exhibit the highest suitability to be used as energy feedstock indicated by the highest energy production of 4.60 MWh per ton of dry biomass, followed by L. indica (4.56 MWh/ton), D. excelsa (5.52 MWh/ton), F. rukam (4.20 MWh/ton), P. galeata (3.66 MWh/ton), S. caudatilimbum (3.61 MWh/ton), A. elmeri (3.59 MWh/ton), G. nervosa (3.49 MWh/ton) and G. bancana (3.42 MWh/ton). The high density of wood species correlated with the high value of energy potency. In contrast, the fast-growing tree and shrub species, such as K. hospita (1.76 MWh/ton), C. odorata (1.36 MWh/ton) and O. sumatrana (1.17 MWh/ton), showed lower energy potency. The most dominant plant species, S. balangeran gave only 2.96 MWh energy per ton of dry biomass and it was classified in the middle group of plant species suitable as green energy feedstock, along with other species, such as C. brachiata, C. rotundatus, P. javanicum, V. umbonata, L. speciosa, V. pinnata, and A. longifolius. Due to suitable energy properties, growth rate and also adaptability of this woody biomass, they can be exploited to support sustainable supply of biomass feedstock for the green electricity program in the study area.

Weeds community structure on the rice field (Oryza sativa L.) in bulusari village, Sayung district, Demak regency

Rice weeds are disturbing plants that grow together with rice and otherwise well-controlled, it will reduce the quantity and quality of crops. The aim of this research is to analyze the community structure of weed rice in 8-week-old. Benefits of this research are expected to provide information about the types of rice weeds and their characteristics. Research was conducted in June 2018 in Bulusari Village, Sayung District, Demak Regency; and Ecology and Biosystematics Laboratory, Biology Departement, Diponegoro University. Method of this research is a random sampling method used a plot sized 1 m x 1 m as many as 18 plots. Results of the research were the highest Important Value Index is Echinochloa colonum (L) Link species and rice weed diversity index is low.

The Composition and Important Value Index of Trees for Wildlife Feed in Bacan Island, South Halmahera

Forests provide protection, food, and habitats for wild animals such as monkeys, birds, bats, squirrels, and weasels that depend on the fruits and seeds from the trees. Due to human’s activities, the functions of the forest in Bacan Island have decreased significantly in terms of numbers, kinds, and important value index. Local people have conversed forests into agricultural lands. As a result, the existence of natural resources especially trees, which supply nutrients for wild animals such as monkeys, birds, bats, squirrels and weasels, is being threatened. The current study aimed to investigate the composition and important value index of every type of plants used for wildlife feed. An inventory method was employed in plots of 20 m × 20 m for tree-level observation. This method would be useful to obtain the list of plant composition for wildlife feed and to determine some vegetation parameters including the density, domination, frequency, and important value index of the plants. This research showed that Duobanga moluccana, Drancontomelon dao, Bacacaurea anguilata Merr, Theobroma cacao, Mangifera indica, Canarium casferum, Myristica fatua and Myristica sperciosa are the composition of plants that could supply nutrients for the wild animals. The highest important value index (IVI) (52.78%) was observed in Drancontomelon dao. Medium IVI which ranged from (31.47-44.42%) was reported by Duobanga moluccana, Bacacaurea anguilata Merr, Theobroma cacao, Canarium casferum, Myristica fatua and Myristica sperciosa. Meanwhile, the lowest IVI (29.52%) was found in Mangifera indica.

KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS VEGETASI TINGKAT POHON DI HUTAN ADAT GUNUNG SOKA DUSUN PADANG SEBATIK KECAMATAN AIR BESAR KABUPATEN LANDAK

Forest is an ecosystem unit in the form of a stretch of land containing biological natural resourcesdominated by trees in its natural environment which can not be separated from the life of indigineous communities. This study aims to find out the diversity of vegetation types of stand composition trees in Gunung Soka Indigenous Forest. This study used transect method and the transect lineswere determined purposively. There were 4 (four) transect lines with 500 m lenght, 10 m wide to the left and 10 m wide to the right. The observation plot was 20 m, and there were 25 plots, so the total was 1 ha. There were 100 plots to study with 4 transect line so the total area was 4 ha. The result show that there are 23 trees vegetation consists of 13 family, 741 of individual trees in Gunung Soka Indigenous Forest. The highest important value index (INP) was found in engkabang bukit (Shorea pinanga Scheff.) with a value of 82,25, while the lowest important value index was found in keraci (Quercus lucida Roxb.) with a value of 1,42. The Dominance index (C) of trees vegetation is 0,17525 or C = 1 ,which shows that there are more than one dominant tree. The Diversity index (DS) of trees vegetation is closte to 1, which shows moderate diversity of species. The Highest species Abundance index (e) of tree vegetation was found in line 1 with a value of 0,9493, meanwhile the lowest value was found in line 2 with a value of 0,5764.Kata Kunci : Diversity,indigenous forest, tree vegetation

Woody species composition, structure and environmental determinants in a moist evergreen Afromontane forest, southern Ethiopia

Ethiopian moist evergreen Afromontane forests are vital for the conservation of plant diversity, including genetic pools of Coffea arabica L. However, these forests are continuously shrinking and need empirical scientific studies for their effective conservation and sustainable management. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess woody species composition, diversity, endemicity, structure, plant communities, and environmental determinants in Sirso moist evergreen Afromontane forest of southern Ethiopia. Environmental variables such as altitude, slope, aspect, disturbance levels, and geographical location were recorded for each main plots. Vegetation structure and importance value index (IVI), diversity, vegetation classification, and correlation with environmental factors were analyzed. A total of 74 woody species representing 70 genera and 34 families were identified. Seven species were endemic. Rhus glutinosa A. Rich subsp. glutinosa and Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm. were species categorized as vulnerable according to the IUCN red list category. The highest number of species was recorded for the Rubiaceae family (8), followed by Euphorbiaceae (6), and Asteraceae (6). Five plant communities were identified: Maesa lanceolata–Dombeya torrida, Galiniera saxifraga–Cyathea manniana, Vepris dainellii–Triumfetta tomentosa, Dracaena fragrans–Rytigynia neglecta, and Arundinaria alpina. The distribution of these communities depends on altitude, slope, and disturbance factors. Syzygium guineense (Wild.) DC., Schefflera abyssinica (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Harms, and Galiniera saxifraga (Hochst.) Bridson were species with the highest IVI, while P. africana, Cordia africana Lam., Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmelin, Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill., and C. arabica had the lowest. Population structure of woody species showed an inverted J-shape, a J-shape, a bell-shape, and an irregular shaped pattern. These latter three population structure revealed signs of disturbances, and were negatively correlated with altitude and slope. The study showed that the Sirso moist evergreen Afromontane forest is species rich and should be given conservation priority to maintain endemic and native species.

The diversity of plant species in a mangrove forest in the Coast of Metinaro, Timor-Leste

The diversity of species in mangrove is the result of interaction between the biotic components and their abiotic environment for a long period of time. Mangrove ecosystem is located between land and sea, however, it gets many disturbances for human interest and consequently, it suffers degradation, area reduction and biodiversity decline. Therefore, it is important to study the diversity, abundance, morphology, and characteristics of various stages of the life of both plants and animals in mangrove communities. The objective of this research was to study the diversity of mangrove plant species in the coast of Metinaro, Timor-Leste. The results showed that nine plant species grew in mangrove forest, namely, Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia alba, Ceriops decandra, Rhizophora mucronata, Lumnitzera racemosa var. racemosa, Amyema anisomeres, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera exaristata. Rhizophora apiculata had the highest importance value index (IVI) for trees (IVI = 88.21%) and for saplings (77.53%), while Avicennia alba for seedlings (52.81%). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) was 3.25 for trees, categorized as high, 2.04 for saplings, categorized as medium and 1.57 for seedlings, also categorized as medium

Phytodiversity and medicinal plant distribution in pasturelands of North Western Himalaya in relation to environmental gradients

This study aimed at elucidating phytodiversity of pasturelands of North-western Kashmir Himalayan biotic province in relation to various environmental gradients, with added focus on assessing distribution of important threatened medicinal plant taxa across surveyed pasturelands. A total of 16 sites that spanned across a broad altitudinal gradient (2502–4120 m) were selected. Phytosociological data like density, cover, frequency and abundance of vascular flora were collected and processed using gradient analysis. Soil moisture, nitrogen, organic carbon, acidity and electrical conductivity, altitude, degree of slope and human disturbance were recorded from each site. Analysis of species composition showed a total of 293 species of vascular plants, belonging to 192 genera and 64 families recorded from surveyed sites. Rank abundance exhibited that majority of species are locally rare and patchily distributed, with over 60% of species recording frequencies between 0%–20% and none showing frequencies more than 80%. Species richness showed significant variations and ranged from 20 (Parihasmaidan) to 114 (Nagbarren) for macro and 3.53±2.11 (Thajwas) to 8.76± 1.01 (Marsar) for micro-scale of measurement. The Shannon-Wiener (H′) and Simpson’s diversity (Ds) indices also varied greatly and were recorded highest (H′= 2.76 & Ds= 0.36) for Marsar and lowest (0.87 & 0.62) for Parihasmaidan. The diversity attributes suggested that pasturelands with lower species richness and diversity on macro-scale were not always species poor and less diverse on micro- measurement scale. The life form groupings highlighted the hemicryptophytic character of vegetation and species with highest importance value index were Sibbaldia cuneata (5.71), Rumex nepalensis (2.89), Juniperus wallichiana (2.88), Cynodon dactylon (2.83), Poa annua (2.49) and Sambucus wightiana (2.41). The results of canonical correspondence analysis showed that effect of altitude and anthropogenic disturbance was overriding and among various environmental factors, species distribution was mainly correlated with altitude along first canonical axis, while to second axis anthropogenic disturbances were important. Using generalized additive model, these variables also appeared as significant predictors for distribution of various threatened taxa. The findings of this study may thus help in evolving an appropriate strategy and an ecological management tool for long term conservation and management of these mountain ecosystems.

SPACE PATTERN OF FOREST SPECIES AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH AGRICULTURAL FACTORS AGROFLORESTAL SYSTEM

The objective of this work was to describe the spatial distribution pattern of the arboreal and regenerating forest stratum and its relationship with edaphic factors in a multistratified agroforestry system without management. The data were obtained by means of a census of the arboreal and regenerating plants, in which the variables diameter were measured at 1.30m of the soil and total height, besides the botanical identification. The plants of the arboreal stratum were grouped in diameter and height classes and the regenerating plants in height classes. In both strata, the horizontal structure indicators were estimated and the species of higher Importance Value Index (IVI) were selected to perform the spatial analysis. The K Ripley function was applied in the univariate case to test the hypothesis of complete randomness in the groups and in the arboreal and regenerating species of higher IVI. In the bivariate case, the Ripley K function was applied to test the hypothesis of complete spatial independence between groups or aggregate pattern species, with edaphic attributes. The results indicated random spatial pattern for most of the tested groups, with only the species Gliricidia sepium and Archontophoenix alexandrae with aggregate spatial pattern, up to 30m distance, in the arboreal and regenerating strata, respectively. However, no spatial relationship was observed between the pattern of distribution of the species and the soil factors of agroforestry system (SAF). In general, it is concluded that edaphic factors were fundamental in the development of plants, but not for the formation of aggregates

Carbon Sequestration in the Trees of Community Forest:

Carbon sequestration is one of the main ecosystem services in today’s condition. Estimation of above ground tree biomass and carbon stock is important as it gives ecological and economic benefits to the local people. This study was conducted in the Hasantar Community Forest (HCF) of Nagarjun Municipality, Kathmandu. Concentric circular plots of 12.62m radius were established in five different blocks of HCF for the study of tree species. The main objective of this study was to find out the Important Value Index (IVI), Above Ground Tree Biomass (AGTB) and carbon stocks tree species of HCF. This forest comprises the tree species of families like fagacaeae, moraceae, myrtaceae, fabaceae etc in dominant numbers. Schima wallichii was found ecologically most significant tree species as it possess highest IVI value. The carbon stock of this plant was found as 206.865 t/ha which comprises 27 % of total carbon in HCF. The total above ground tree carbon stock of HCF (55.4 ha.) was found 144.795 t/ha.
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(1): 124-129

Vegetation analysis of non-tidal swampland in South Sumatra, Indonesia and its carrying capacity for Pampangan buffalo pasture

Abstract. Muhakka, Suwignyo RA, Budianta D, Yakup. 2019. Vegetation analysis of non-tidal swampland in South Sumatra, Indonesia and its carrying capacity for Pampangan buffalo pasture. Biodiversitas 20: 1077-1086. In Indonesia, non-tidal swampland area is 13.27 million ha, only 4 million ha has been developed with details of 2.6 million ha that managed by the public and the private sector and 1.3 million ha with government assistance. This study aims to analyze vegetation structure of non-tidal swampland in Pulau Layang Village, Ogan Komering Ilir District, South Sumatra, Indonesia and Rambutan Village, Banyuasin District, South Sumatra, Indonesia and to examine its carrying capacity for Pampangan buffalo pasture. Methods used were by the combination of direct observation, survey using plot sampling with total 50 observation plots, and measurements to determine forage production using Halls method. The results show that there 19 forage species were in two studied areas which are potential as Pampangan buffalo feed. Species with the highest Important Value Index were Purun tikus (Eleocharis .dulcis) with 89.71% and Kumpai padi (Oryza. rufipogon) with 54.08%. The production of fresh forage and dry matter in the wet season in Pulau Layang was 6.90 tons ha-1 year-1 and 1.27 tons ha-1 year-1, respectively, whereas in Rambutan they were 3.68 tons ha-1 year-1 and 0.91 tons ha-1 year-1, respectively. The production of fresh forage and dry matter in the dry season in Pulau Layang was 4.86 tons ha-1 year-1 and 0.99 tons ha-1 year-1, respectively, while in Rambutan they were 2.52 tons ha-1 year-1 and 0,71 tons ha-1 year-1, respectively. The pasture carrying capacity in Pulau Layang in the wet season was 3.66 AU (Animal Unit) ha-1 year-1 and in the dry season, it was 2.85 AU ha-1 year-1, while in Rambutan Village it was 2.61 AU ha-1 year-1 and 2.04 AU ha-1 year-1, respectively. There were six species of forage with high production, namely Kumpai tembaga (Hymenachne acutigluma) Kumpai padi (Oryza rupifogon), Kumpai minyak (Hymenachne amplexicaulis), Are bolong (Polygonum barbatum L), Bento rayap (Leersia hexandra) and Purun tikus (Eleocharis dulcis). It is estimated that there still can be added buffalo cattle as much as 0.31 AU ha-1 year-1 in Pulau Layang Village so 155 buffaloes and 0.59 AU ha-1 year-1 in Rambutan Village.709 buffaloes

Mangrove Diversity in Production Forest Management Unit (FMU) Bulungan Unit VIII North Kalimantan

Mangrove ecosystem have various important roles as habitat for marine and terrestrial species. However, the ecosystem has recently faced anthropogenic threats delivered by the expansion of aquaculture pond. Study of mangrove diversity was conducted in Production FMU Bulungan Unit VIII, North Kalimantan. The study was aimed to analyze species diversity in the FMU Bulungan Unit VIII and determine community perception on existing mangrove condition. Vegetation analysis was applied to quantify mangrove community in two sampling locations, Salimbatu and Liagu, within 26 quadratic plots (10mx10m). As many as 63 respondents were interviewed to analyze communities’ perception. As the result, 10 species were identified species and one unidentified species recorded during the survey. Rhizophoraceae was dominated the species composition in sampling area. Rhizophora mucronata had the highest Importance Value Index in tree and seedling stage while Rhizophora apiculata was dominant in sapling stage. On the other hand, Bruguiera parviflora was recorded on each growth stages in all sampling plots. Species diversity index (H’) of mangrove vegetation in the FMU was found at 1,68 with species richness index value 1,58. This diversity index considered as moderate diverse since only few vegetation species are able to live in the mangal. The perpendicular structure of mangrove in the FMU formed an inverse J-shape which showed normal growth of uneven-age forest stand. The interview result implied that more than 50% of the respondent considered that mangrove condition in their village area has been disturbed. Therefore mangrove management with local community involvement is neccessarily required to improve the mangrove performance. Keywords: communities perception, habitat, mangrove, species diversity

Integrated utilization of land and vegetation in secondary forest areas

Local community’s activities around Labanan forest area for specific purposes already make the area unsafe. Responding to this, land productivity optimization with agroforestry patterns might be applied in the area. Hopefully, through these systems, utilization and productivity of natural forests in Labanan forest area might be optimized in producing food, energy and water conservation, outside its regular function as forestry area. The purpose of this study was to determine the condition of the land under treeing forest; generate analytical data of vegetation in the research plots; and determine carbon stocks undergrowth. The research method was soil sampling, vegetation analyzes and sampling of undergrowth plant biomass. Based on laboratory analysis result, soil pH ranging between 5-7, N Total <0.3%, P Total <49 mg P 2 O 5 .100g -1 , K Total between 2-8 mg K 2 O.100g -1 , and the organic carbon content on soil <2.1%. The vegetations dominated by cunday ( Saraca declinata ) as many as 43 trees/ha with basal area 21.55 m 2 . ha -1 . The highest important value index (IVI) shown by the type of vegetation cunday ( Saraca declinata ) amounted to 51.43% and the lowest was shown by bintangur ( Callophyllum sp) amounted to 2.89%. Stock carbon undergrowth on research area ranged from 1.470 to 1.752ton C. ha -1 .

KOMPOSISI DAN STRUKTUR HUTAN RIPARIAN SEBAGAI PENAHAN GELOMBANG DI DESA SEMAYANG KABUPATEN KUTAI KARTANEGARA

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the composition and structure of Semayang forest and the Importance Value Index (IVI) of riparian forest in its role of reducing the wave rate. The method used is multilevel plot method of 20x20 m for sampling of tree level, 5x5 m for sapling level and 2x2 m for seedling level. The result showed that the highest Importance Value Index at tree level was dominated by 3 species, they were L. javanicum (101,663), M. speciosa (76,201) and G. renghas (65,962). At sapling level dominated by P. indica (102,990). At seedling level dominated by M. pigra (95,004)andP. brevistipitata (70,109). In addition, Semayang riparian forest has an ecological function as a wave retaining. It can be seen based on the vegetation density and horizontal structure of species that make up the forest. Vegetation density is predicted to reduce the rate of Semayang lake waves that occur during flood season. Keywords: Composition and Structure, Riparian Forest, Semayang Lake.

Effect of Grazing on the Plant Community of a Southern Brazilian Swamp

Swamps have high biological diversity and are the largest producers of biomass. However, such ecosystems are threatened by human activities. This study analyzes the plant community structure of two swamp sites, with and without grazing. A total of 200 sample units with 0.25 m2 were distributed every 13 m to determine diversity, the Importance Value Index (IVI), and coverage. Fifty species and 18 families were recorded. Luziola peruviana Juss. ex. JF Gmel had the highest IVI, accounting for 62.57% of the relative coverage in cattle-influenced sites. In the portions without cattle, Commelina diffusa Burm.f. had the highest IVI (24.33). The Shannon and Pielou indexes were 2.18 nats.ind.–1 and 0.56, respectively, decreasing to 1.62 nats.ind.–1 and 0.47 in grazing sites. There was less richness in the cattle grazing area, with a single species accounting for a high percentage of coverage, indicating the possible role of grazing on the plant community structure.

Woody Species Richness and Diversity at Ades Dry Afromontane Forest of South Eastern Ethiopia

The study was conducted at Ades Dry Afromontane Forest at 407 km Southeast of Addis Ababa to assess the diversity and composition of woody plant species. The sampling design was based on a US Forest Service model for the indigenous forests. A total of 60 circular plots each with an area of 0.017 ha were arranged in groups of four where a central plot is surrounded by three plots that are each at 36.6m from the central plot. In each plot, all woody plants that were ≥10cm in DBH were sampled for floristic diversity. Biodiversity analyses were accomplished using the Shannon-Weaver’s Index (H’) to assess the tree species diversity and Shannon Equitability (H’E) was calculated to assess the evenness values of species while the Importance Value Index (IVI) of each woody species was analyzed to see the Importance of individual tree and shrub species at the site. A total of 65 trees and shrub species belonging to 38 families had been recorded in this study. Rosaceae was a family with the highest number of species comprising about 9.23 % of the total number of species. The <i>H’</i> ranged between 0.004 to 0. 362 with the overall <i>H’</i> of 2.82. The H’E values ranged between 0.001 to 0.087 with a mean value of 0.01. A mean H’E value of 0.01 indicates that the relative homogeneity of woody plant species of the sampled plots was 1% of the maximum possible even population. The evenness values are not enough to justify uniformity in composition of tree species. The mean IVI value ranged between 0.36 to 49.06 with mean IVI value of 6.0. In this study only 15% of the recorded species were found with IVI values > 10 and the rest of 85% have IVI values < 10. The variation in survival mechanisms of species made some species to be dominant and most species to be lower in number in a given ecosystem. Tree species with high IVI were also found to have higher <i>H’</i> of diversity. The spatial distribution and dominance of species can be affected both by the properties of the species themselves and the environmental factors. The diversity of woody species observed in the Ades dry afromontane is encouraging since, among other reasons, it is useful for conservation strategy.

Floristic Diversity, Distribution and Analysis of Forest Cover Change in the Kedjom Keku Forest, NW Cameroon

Conservation of tropical rainforest is an important aspect of climate change mitigation, and baseline information through inventories of forests is paramount so as to enable the putting in place of proper management strategies. This study was aimed at evaluating the plant species diversity, and distribution and to investigate the forest cover change of the Kedjom Keku forest. Five plots were located at irregular intervals (100 m × 50 m) along a line transect and spread throughout the study area using 10 m × 10 m. Land cover/Land use changes were evaluated using remote sensing and GIS, while semi structured questionnaires were used to assess the anthropogenic activities. A total of 107 species of plants including 74 trees, 28 shrubs and 5 lianas, belonging to 83 genera and 58 families were identified. Rubiaceae (10 species) and Asteraceae (5 species) were the most represented tree and shrub families respectively. Species with the highest important value index were Schefflera mannii (31.9) and Piper capense (16.9) for trees and shrubs respectively. This forest is diverse, with Shannon-Wiener diversity index values of 3.55 for trees and 3.07 for shrubs. Seven land cover classes were distinguished within the years 1986, 2003 and 2018. There was a drastic increase in built up/settlement from 0.63% in 2003, to 20.46% in 2018. Dense vegetation increased within 2003 to 2018 after a drastic drop from 151.86 ha−1 to 119.88 ha−1 between 1986 and 2003. Infrastructure, over-grazing and expansion of farmland were reported as the direct factors influencing degradation, while land right, land tenure and equitability were the most cited indirect factors. The prominent factor that encouraged degradation was the fertile nature of the soils. We propose that sensitization campaigns be carried out to educate inhabitants on the rich biodiversity of Kedjom Keku forest and explain to them the importance of sustainable management of the resources therein.

Period of Weed Interference in Guarana Crop

ABSTRACT: Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon region that produces the fruit known as guarana. Guarana production is carried out by small farmers and is a source of income for thousands of people in rural and urban areas. The interference caused by the competition between weeds and guarana is an important limiting factor of its production. Despite its economic and social importance, there are few studies on the management of weeds in this species. Thus, this research aimed to study the effects of weed interference on guarana yield in different periods. This study was performed in Maués, AM, in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The experimental design was a randomized block design with eight treatments and four blocks. Treatments consisted of a combination of four different periods of control or coexistence with weeds (March to May, June to August, September to November, and December to February). Weed community was composed of 23 weed species belonging to 12 botanical families, with Paspalum virgatum being the species with the highest importance value index (55.74%). Weed coexistence with guarana from June to August provided the lowest yields (156.16 kg ha-1 of grains) when compared to weed control in the same period (309.05 kg ha-1 of grains). Weed interference from June to August reduced guarana yield by 50%.

Evidences of red panda in Rachuli VDC, Kalikot district, Nepal

Presence of the red panda was assessed in Rachuli Village Development Committee (VDC)(latitude 290 1.98’ N to 2903.57’ N and longitude 81013.52’ E to 81015.87’ E, at altitudinal range between 1800 to 4400 masl), Kalikot, mid-west Nepal. The interaction and interviews with local peoples was organised to collect initial confirmation on occurrence of the red panda. For sign survey of animal, altogether 20 quadrate plots (each of 10×10 sq. meters) at the point where pellets of red panda were found, were laid between altitude of 2800 m to 3300 masl. The presence of Red panda pellets in the study area was major evidence of presence of redpanda in the area. The lowest altitude in which pellet found was 2993 m and the highest was3297 m. The highest number of pellets was observed in altitudinal range of 3100 m to 3150m. The average number of pellets per group was 10.13 ± 5.33. The typical dominant species of trees in red panda habitat were Betula utilis, Abies spectabilis and Quercus semecarpifolia observed with the highest Important Value Index (IVI) of 83.80, 75.83 and 52.80 respectively. Nigalo (Thamnocalamus sp.), the most preferable food plant of red panda, was distributed widely in the study range. The number of pellets groups in the plots and nigalo density were positively correlated (0.795, significant statistically at 0.01 levels (2-tailed)).

Vegetation Analysis Of Stand Trees Composition of Natural Forest Of Merapi Volcano National Park

Forest is an ecosystem that is yielded from the interaction of biotic and abiotic factors which all the included abundant capital natural resources is the grant from the God both to be preserved and utilized at the longlasting basis. Tropical rain forest compiled of highly kind varieties of plants and plays a very important rule in hydrology and land protection. The purposes of this research to find out the native stand trees composition, to know the native stand trees kind abundance, and to know the spesies association types. This research was conducted at the natural forest of the Merapi Volcano National Park that is administratively located in Hargobinangun Village of Pakem Subdistrict of Sleman Regency of Yogyakarta Special Region Province from May until June 2014. Plot method was applied for the vegetation measurement which was in the various plot size based on the stand tree level with 2.5 percents sampling intensity towarded all the stand trees in the natural forest of Merapi VolcanoNational Park. The Importance Value Index, species variety, and species association calculation was included. The results of this study showed that there were 20 tree types and 20 tree families in the Merapi VolcanoNational Park. The Damar (Agathis damara) species has the highest importance value index at the tree level while the lowest went to Sandalwood (Santalum album) species. The vegetation community as the composer of the natural forest of Merapi VolcanoNational Park had a low level of species variety caused by a small numberNational Park of Mountain of and only had a few dominant species at the tree level.