Importance Value Index Research Articles

The Dynamics of Vegetation Structure, Composition and Carbon Stock in Peatland Ecosystem of Old Secondary Forest in Riau and South Sumatra Provinces

Lowland tropical rainforests provide an abundance of biodiversity as well as dynamic and stable ecosystems. These forests include tropical peat forests in various locations and forest types that have vegetation structure and composition characteristics, and carbon stocks that still need to be explored more deeply. Research on the structure and the composition of the vegetation and carbon stock in the old secondary peat forest was carried out in the protected areas of Bukit Batu, Riau Province, and Muara Merang, South Sumatra Province. Based on a 1-hectare permanent plot established in Bukit Batu and Muara Merang, 25 subplots of 20 m by 20 m were established in each location for measurement purposes. The results showed that Bukit Batu and Muara Merang had 42 and 36 species belonging to 26 and 20 families, respectively. Bukit Batu had a species diversity index (H’) of 2.93, and the dominant tree species were Palaquium xanthochymum with an importance value index (IVI) = 66.27%, Eugenia sp. (IVI = 32.76%), and Litsea sp. (IVI = 18.39%). The Muara Merang location had a species diversity index (H’) of 2.82, and the dominant tree species were Eugenia sp. (IVI = 60.88%), Alseodaphne insignis (IVI = 26.34%), and Adenanthera pavonina (IVI = 22.11%). In Bukit Batu, forest stands with a diameter of ≥10 cm contained a biomass of 178.10 tonnes/ha and carbon stock of 83.70 tonnes C/ha, which is equal to 307.20 tonnes CO2/ha. Meanwhile, in Muara Merang, it was 190.41 tonnes/ha and 89.49 tonnes C/ha, which is equal to 328.44 tonnes CO2/ha. This research, especially that in Bukit Batu, Riau Province, enriches the data and information available to date and is very useful in supporting restoration practices in Riau Province’s Giam Siak Kecil Biosphere Reserve, which was designated by UNESCO as part of the Man and Biosphere Program.

Native species diversity associated with Bosque Palmeras de Ocol in the Amazonas region, Peru

The objective was to evaluate the ecology and dynamics of the native species community in the Bosque Palmeras de Ocol in the district of Molinopampa, Amazonas, Peru. Six sampling points were established, in which 1,569 trees belonging to 47 species were found. Species such as Astrocaryum sp., with a relative density of 10.7 % and an importance value index (IVI) of 23.54 %, and Prunus sp., with a relative density of 8.9 % and an IVI of 22.23 %, stood out. Myrsine coriacea subsp. 2 was identified as key with a high relative frequency and an IVI of 16.21 %. Density per hectare revealed high values for Astrocaryum sp. (560 individuals/ha), Nectandra sp. (526 individuals/ha) and Prunus sp. 2 (470 individuals/ha). The distribution of tree height and diameter showed a predominance of smaller individuals, with most species presenting diameters less than 20 cm and heights between 3 and 4 m. The range/abundance curve highlighted Astrocaryum sp. as the most abundant species. The distribution models showed a good fit to the Null and Preemption distributions, with low values of Akaike's criterion (AIC) 111.56 and 114.60, respectively. These findings provide a detailed understanding of the species community in this forest, fundamental for its conservation and sustainable management.

Species Diversity and Composition of Macrophytes in Shallabugh Wetland, Ganderbal, Jammu, and Kashmir, India

Macrophyte diversity, richness, and composition of the Shallabugh wetland Reserve, one of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area in India. The wetland shows the presence of 39 plant species of 27 families and three tree species belonging to three families and a diversity index of H = 3.12 and Evenness e^H/S = 0.5836. The high Importance Value Index (IVI=22.8) was recorded for Typha latifolia, followed by Ceratophyllum demersum (IVI=19.2). The shift in macrophyte community structure is evidenced by the local extinction of Nelumbo nucifera from the Shallabugh wetland area and the near-disappearance of some economically important plants such as Trapa natans (IVI= 0.24). The investigation of various aspects of the wetland ecology of Shallabugh reveals that species composition has witnessed great changes over the years. The conversion of the 141 hectares of wetland into grassland gave way for terrestrial species to flourish. The study serves as the baseline study of the macrophyte community composition and structure of the Shallabugh wetland.

Assessment of Plant Diversity and Soil Quality Management in Forest Land of West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India

The field experiment was set in home-garden areas under forest land of eight small towns viz. Borampalem, Venkatapuram, Gundugolanukunta, Ramannapalem, Abdullapuram, Tirumaladevpeta, Venkatakrishnapuram, Appalarajugudem in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh during November to March in 2021–22 assess the Plant and Tree Diversity and Soil quality parameters. The plant/tree species Phoenix sylvestris, reported the highest frequency (245.00), dominance (3.27), and basal area (7542.96 cm2). Plumbago zeylanica had the highest relative density (6.96) and relative abundance (6.81) among all the shrub species. Plumbago zeylanica reported the highest Important value index (IVI) 17.10 while Herb species with highest density was found in Centella asiatica (0.95), frequency (35), and highest Important value index (IVI) 14.60. Soil quality parameters reflects that at the depth 0-15cm the average value of pH is found to be7.52, organic carbon is 0.56%, the amount of available nitrogen is 213.78 kg/ha, amount of available of phosphorus is 41.25 kg/ha and available potassium is 38.22 kg/ha. At the depth of 15-30 cm the Average value of pH is found to be 6.61, organic carbon is 0.39%, the amount of available nitrogen is 189.51 kg/ha, amount of available of phosphorus is 34.75 kg/ha and available potassium is 31.37 kg/h.

Effect of invasive species on forest composition in tropical dry forest: a case study of invasion by Gliricidia sepium

Ecological concerns caused by biological invasion have been considered an inevitable threat to global sustainability. The superior competitive ability of invasive plant species (IPS) has an impact on vegetation composition and loss of native flora. Recognising IPS at an early stage would significantly contribute to controlling invasive plants, protecting biodiversity and formulating appropriate strategies. Most of the studies available on invasive plants are descriptive and largely confined to non-woody species. The present study focused on the alien Gliricidia sepium, a tree species, to determine the invasive potential of its distribution in tropical dry deciduous forests of Central India. Forty square plots (25 × 25 m) were laid out at each uninvaded and invaded forest to enumerate phytosociological attributes to determine the impact of G. sepium on vegetation composition and community structure. Higher density (37.2 individuals ha−1), basal area (6.32 m2 ha−1) and importance value index (95.8) contributed by G. sepium clearly showed the suppression of seedlings, saplings and trees of native forest species at the invaded sites in terms of species richness, cover and other attributes as compared to at the uninvaded sites. Further, other invasive attributes such as higher seed production, dieback phenomenon, higher coppicing power and higher growth rate as observed during the study clearly affirmed the early speculation that the species might be invasive. The species has a strong potential to spread vigorously and may gradually become invasive throughout the country as already reported from various parts of India. In the present study area, G. sepium was introduced due to restoration and plantation programmes and our findings indicate its negative impact on the native vegetation. Thus, we strongly recommend the avoidance of this species for both plantation and restoration programmes, especially for Indian forests. The study helps in early recognition and rapid monitoring of G. sepium to control its spread throughout the country.

Diminishing mangrove forest structures in Davao City, Philippines

The decline of mangrove coverage across the Philippines to 50% of its original coverage in present years has, led to significant reductions of ecological functions to fisheries and benefits to man. The mangrove forest in Davao City was assessed for its taxonomic list, Importance Value Index, abundance and distribution of mangrove regenerations, forest structure, and species diversity status. The study was conducted in Barangay Bunawan, Lasang, Panacan, Matina Aplaya, 76-A, and Bago Aplaya. All data were gathered by establishing sampling plots (10m x 10m) using the modified transect-plot method. Overall, a total of 34 mangrove species were listed, of which 21 were identified as true mangroves and 13 as mangrove associates. The 21 mangrove species were very low in species richness (54%). Importance Value Index showed that Avicennia marina, Rhizophora apiculata, and Sonneratia alba, respectively, as dominant mangrove species. The mangrove regenerations were in poor condition (<0.50) while relative abundances of growth stages consisted of mature stands at 46.04%, saplings with 27.78%, and seedlings with 26.18%. General diversity indices obtained a low value on the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'=1.42) and an average value on the species evenness index (E=0.61), all indicating stressful and unstable mangrove forests. Thus, the mangrove forest ecosystem has imbalances and eventually, only certain species would survive.

Linking carbon storage with land use dynamics in a coastal Ramsar wetland

Coastal wetland ecosystems make an important contribution to the global carbon pool, yet their extent is declining due to aquaculture-related land use changes. We conducted an extensive investigation into the carbon stock and area coverage of macrophytes in a tropical coastal Ramsar wetland, Kolleru in Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 72 quadrats of size 1 × 1 m2 were laid in the wetland, 19 species of macrophytes were collected and analyzed for carbon content using a CNHS analyzer. To assess changes in the wetland macrophytes, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was estimated using Landsat time series data from 1975 to 2023. The importance value index (IVI) of macrophytes scored highest for the Ipomoea aquatica (41.4) and the lowest for Ottelia alismoides (1.9). Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) significantly (r = 0.1905, p = 0.0361) revealed a clear separation of macrophytes in ordination space. ANOVA indicated highly significant (p < 0.0001) variations in the carbon content of aboveground and belowground components of macrophytes. Among the different macrophytes, the highest carbon content was found in Phragmites karka (0.6 g. g−1) and the lowest was recorded in Utricularia stellaris (0.2 g. g−1). On an average, emergents in the Kolleru wetland sequester 1525 ± 181 g C m−2 yr−1, rooted floating species sequester 858 ± 101 g C m−2 yr−1, submerged macrophytes sequester 480 ± 60 g C m−2 yr−1, and free-floating macrophytes sequester 221 ± 90 g C m−2 yr−1. Land cover mapping revealed a decrease in spread of aquatic vegetation from 225.2 km2 in 1975 to 100.6 km2 in 2023. Although macrophytes are vital carbon sinks, the wetland conversion into fishponds has resulted in a loss of 55.3 % of carbon storage. Therefore, immediate restoration of macrophyte cover is vital for the proper functioning of carbon sequestration and mitigation of climate change impacts.

Keragaman Tumbuhan Pakan Burung Cenderawasih di Hutan Kampung Rhepang Muaif Kabupaten Jayapura

The aim of this research is to carry out a vegetation analysis looking at the types of plants at the seedling, sapling, pole and tree level which have the potential to serve as food for birds of paradise. The plotted line method is a measuring tool used to collect vegetation data at the seedling, sapling, pole and tree level. The data obtained is then analyzed to determine Density, Relative Density, Dominance, Relative Dominance, Frequency, Relative Frequency, Importance Value Index and Diversity Index. The research results showed that 5 types of food sources were obtained, namely Palaquium amboinense, Gnetum gnemon, Pometia acuminata and Syzygium sp. The structure and composition of vegetation at the seedling level consists of 21 species with H' (2.74) or medium, the sapling level consists of 34 species with H' (3.16), the pole level 27 species with H' (2.83), tree level 38 species with H' (3.06). Keywords: Bird of Paradise, Food, Muaif Rhepang, Vegetation

Assessing the mangrove community structure and aquatic environmental factors of the mangrove ecosystem in Jangkaran Village

Coastal areas have the potential for damage caused by abrasion, strong winds, and tsunamis. Seeing the high potential for damage that might occur, the appropriate approach is to conserve mangrove forests, one of which is found in Jangkaran Village, Temon District, Kulon Progo Regency. This study aims to identify mangrove community structure and aquatic environmental factors in Jangkaran Village. Mangrove community structure was analyzed using the importance value index and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. Aquatic environmental factors were analyzed using temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and salinity parameters. Data collection was carried out in three locations in Jangkaran Village. Mangrove vegetation data were taken from each transect using the 10 m x 10 m quadrat transect method. Data on aquatic environmental factors were taken directly at the location using a refractometer, DO meter, and pH meter. The results of this study are species with the highest importance index value in location 1, namely Rhizophora apiculata (117.094%), location 2, Avicennia marina (207.203%), and location 3, Avicennia marina (97.0362%). Shannon Wiener diversity indexes in the three locations are 0.6943, 0.4056, and 0.6841. The results of measurements of aquatic environmental factors are temperature 25.7-30.3 °C; pH 7.2-7.7; salinity 25-34; and dissolved oxygen 6.5-6.7. Thus mangrove diversity in Jangkaran village is included in the low category and the aquatic environmental factors is favorable for mangrove growth so that the mangrove ecosystem can be further developed.

Evaluation of Mangrove Ecosystem Quality in Bawean Island, East Java Using Phytoplankton as Bioindicators

Graphical Abstract Highlight Research Highlights from this results research: Restoration is a method to restore degraded mangrove ecosystems The success of restoration is measured by improvements in ecosystem services such as water quality, mangrove diversity, phytoplankton community structure and diversity Phytoplankton as bioindicator of water quality Anthropogenic activities are the main factor causing degradation of mangrove ecosystems Abstract The mangrove ecosystems in Bawean Island are degraded due to anthropogenic activities and land conversion. Plantation has carried out periodic which was continued in several mangrove ecosystems. This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical water quality of several mangrove ecosystems in Bawean Island, and phytoplankton as bioindicators. The evaluation of mangroves in Bawean Island was carried out at 11 locations based on different naturalness and human activities surrounding. The physical and chemical parameters of water observed were air temperature, water temperature, pH, TSS, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), salinity, conductivity, nitrate, and orthophosphate. Community structure and plankton diversity measured include the Importance Value Index (IVI), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'), Simpson dominance index (Id), evenness index (E), trophic diatom index (TDI), and pollution tolerant value (% PTV). The physical parameters of water chemistry show that it meets the quality standards based on Indonesian Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 except for nitrate and orthophosphate, but it is still under plankton tolerant. A total of 63 species from 7 phytoplankton classes were found based on the importance value index. Based on the TDI index, mangrove ecosystems Sawahmulya, Sidogedungbatu, Hijau Daun, Pamona, Pasir Putih, Sungai Rujing, Bangsal, Jherat Lanjheng, and Lebak were classified as eutrophic while Pulau Cina and Dekatagung were hyper-eutrophic. Based on %PTV, the Hijau Daun mangrove is the best mangrove ecosystem while other mangroves were classified as moderate and heavily level polluted.

Diversity and Carbon Storage in Fodder Trees of the Lower and Middle Ouémé Valley, Benin: Ecological and Pastoral Sustainability

This study examines the species composition and carbon stock of fodder trees within the Lower and Middle Ouémé Valley (LMOV), highlighting the key role these species play in pastoral ecosystems and carbon sequestration. A total of 22 species were identified, with Leguminosae dominating at 36%. Noteworthy six species such as M. inermis, L. sericeus, P. santalinoides D. oliveri, P. erinaceus, and A. leiocarpa exhibited the highest Importance Value Index (IVI), signifying their importance in local pastoral practices. Our research utilized nondestructive allometric equations to estimate both above and belowground biomass, further assessing the effects of soil and climatic variables on carbon stocks. The carbon stock varied significantly with vegetation type, influenced predominantly by the density and basal area per hectare. Additionally, the study validated the positive correlation between species richness and carbon storage capacity, supporting the role of biodiversity in enhancing ecosystem resilience. Significant findings from regression models indicated that climate variables generally increased carbon stock, whereas certain soil parameters reduced it. This study underscores the necessity of conserving diverse fodder species to support sustainable pastoralism and carbon mitigation efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.

The low diversity of vegetation seedling and sapling threatening the tree existence at the university green space of Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

University of Sumatera Utara (USU) located in the densely populated urban area and committed to maintain the vegetations of green space which are fundamental to the key indicator in green campus ranking. Green open spaces are a vital element in urban areas providing the comfortable-healthy spaces for urban communities and numerous of environmental services. Specifically, the quality of environmental services depends on the extensive of green spaces, climate characteristic, and existing vegetation as the natural element at the area. Vegetation analysis is the method to study the composition, structure, and form of plant communities that is a prerequisite for describing diverse ecological processes and dynamics of species community in a forest. This study aims to analyze the important value, diversity, evenness, and richness index of USU green space vegetation based on the growth levels from seedlings to trees. The sampling plot was quantified using 2% sampling intensity and positioned with a simple random method. Species name, individual and species number, diameter at breast height (DBH), and stand height were recorded in the designated plots and subplots for each life stage. This research documented 21 species belonging to 12 families at USU green space. Swietenia mahagoni was the dominant species at all growth level with the IVI of 141.07 % (trees), 144.21 % (poles), 133.33 % (saplings), and 135.37 % (seedlings). The species diversity of trees and poles was moderate (H’= 1.6 – 1.7), whereas of saplings and seedlings was low (H’= 0.6 – 0.7). Vegetation evenness at all growth levels was high (E= 0.6 – 1.0). The species richness of trees was identified as moderate (R= 3.5) and of seedlings, saplings, and poles was low (R= 0.2 – 2.5). The seedlings and saplings were inadequate indicating the poor regeneration threatening the tree existence at USU green space.

Assessing the invasive potential of Hydrocharis dubia (Blume) Backer in U Minh Thuong National Park, Vietnam

Eco-physiological characteristics of Hydrocharis dubia (Blume) Backer in the U Minh Thuong National Park (UMTNP) were surveyed from April 2022 to May 2023 to assess its invasive potential risk. Thirty-six four-square-meter plots (4m x 1m) were established along the canals in the core zone to determine the coverage of H. dubia and other hydrophytes, which were used to calculate the Importance Value Index (IVI%) and Shannon-Wiener index (H’). PSII Maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm), Performance Index (PIabs), and Chlorophyll concentration (Chl) in leaves were measured to assess photosynthetic efficiency. The IVI indices showed that Pistia stratiotes L. and H. dubia were the most and second dominant species in the hydrophytic plant community, respectively. However, the photosynthetic activity of H. dubia was significantly higher than that of P. stratiotes. The Fv/Fm (0.830-0.842) of H. dubia were stable during the study period. The higher value of PIabs in the wet season (2.293 ± 0.191) compared to the dry season (1.402 ± 0.105) indicated that H. dubia’s growth was favored in this period. The eco-physiological characteristics of H. dubia claim its high photosynthetic activity, which can be considered an early warning of the species’ spread in the UMTNP, although it is currently suppressed by P. stratiotes.

Evaluation of urban trees and their environmental services in the Área Metropolitana de Guadalajara (AMG)

The urban trees of a linear green area in the Guadalajara metropolitan area werecharacterized through their floristics, structure, urban importance value and plant health. Alltrees with DN ≥ 1 cm were evaluated, and their dasometric parameters were calculated basedon their contribution to environmental services using the i-Tree Ecov.6 program. In total 41species, 33 genera and 20 families were recorded; 43.90% were exotic. The 897 treesmeasured accumulated a basal area (g) = 16,756 m² and, a canopy cover (k)= 5,970.39 m²;the most abundant species were Syagrus romanzoffina, Platanus mexicana and Pinusgreggii. The urban importance value index (IVIU) positioned S. romanzoffiana, Jacarandamimosifolia and P. mexicana with the highest ecological value. The biodiversity was H’ =2.839 and λ= 0.088, considered high, and the effective species through the Hill numbersindicated q1 = 17 abundant species and q2 = 11 dominant species. 74.81% of the trees werehealthy, and a mortality of 2.34% was determined. The most frequent effects on trees weremechanical damage, nutritional deficiency, and defoliators. The environmental servicesprovided were the elimination of 41,607 kg/year of pollutants, the storage of 23,406 tons ofcarbon, the annual sequestration of 3,402 tons of carbon, the production of 9.07 tons/year ofoxygen, among others. This information serves as basis for decision-making on treemanagement and is useful as a reference to ensure and increase the environmental servicesthat it currently offers.

Structural and Successional Dynamics of Old-Growth Mixed Oak Forests in the West Qinling Mountains

Understanding the composition and structure of forest trees is crucial to comprehending the properties and functions of forests. It also helps in implementing effective management strategies for sustainable resource utilization. Our study analyzed the structural dynamics of the old-growth mixed oak forests in the Xiaolongshan Forest region, focusing on three long-term monitoring plots (A, B, C). We examined the tree species composition, diameter distribution, mortality, and recruitment dynamics of different successional species groups, as well as the spatial distribution patterns of living and dead trees, with surveys conducted every five years. The findings indicate: (1) Plot A experienced a decline in stand density and species diversity during the survey period, with the Importance Value Index (IVI) of pioneer successional species continually decreasing in plots B and C. (2) The tree diameter distribution structure in plot A significantly differed from other plots, showing notable change between 2007 and 2012. (3) All plots exhibited lower, well-balanced community-level demographic parameters based on stem number, but a higher recruitment rate for later successional species groups based on basal area. (4) Dead individuals in plot A had a slight clustering distribution, while the other plots showed a random distribution. We conclude that the individual growth rate significantly impacts the dynamics of the natural Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata forest, with pioneer species groups being gradually replaced by early or late-successional species groups in the succession process.

Eco-Custodians: A Contemporary Analysis of Tree Species Composition and Regeneration Health in Ramsagar and Singra National Parks, Bangladesh

This study systematically assessed tree species composition and regeneration status within two protected national parks in Bangladesh: Singra National Park and Ramsagar National Park. We employed a stratified random quadrat method across 100 sample plots (50 quadrats from each national park of 10 m x 10 m). Our findings revealed 45 tree species belonging to 25 families. Myrtaceae and Dipterocarpaceae were the most dominant family, having a maximum number of species. We identified 16 exotic species of 10 families and 29 native species of 19 families. Phytosociological parameters like density, frequency, abundance, and importance value index (IVI) were determined. Shorea robusta with an IVI of 47.38 dominated Singra National Park, while Eucalyptus camaldulensis with an IVI of 22.67 was most important in Ramsagar National Park. Regeneration status was good for 15.56% of species, fair for 24.44%, poor for 28.89%, and absent for 17.78%. This study implied the need for collaborative conservation strategies involving policymakers, conservationists, and local communities to ensure the parks’ sustainable eco-custodianship. Keywords: biodiversity, conservation, forest, national park, regeneration

The Vegetation Diversity of the Growth Rate Stand in The PBPH PT. Hutan Mulya Central Kalimantan’s

PT Hutan Mulya is one of the companies engaged in natural forest management, carrying out logging activities that cause changes in the value of species diversity in the remaining stands (LoA). There are 651 individuals of 87 plant species in the LoA area (2016 and 2016) and 63 plant species in virgin forest areas, so there are a total of 32 plant groups. The highest Importance Value Index is found in Meranti Merah (Shorea leprosula Miq) and Suhi (Shorea atrinervosa Symington) in virgin forest areas, while in the LoA area it is dominated by the Jambuan (Syzygium Gaertn) species because it is a source of animal feed and is not produced by companies. The diversity index of tree species, poles, and saplings in virgin forest is high (&gt;3.00), whereas in the LoA area (2016 and 2022), the level of trees is high (&gt;3.00), the level of poles is medium (1.00–3, 00), and the level of saplings for LoA 2022 is low (1.00&lt;). Meanwhile, the virgin forest similarity index and LoA (2016 and 2022) are in the same or medium category, between 0.31 and 1.00.

Assessment of Reclaimed Mined Area of Sahastradhara, Dehradun by Soil and Vegetation Analysis

This study investigates the impact of forest area mining on reclaimed limestone mined areas in Sahastradhara, Uttarakhand, India. Initiated in 1989-90, eco-restoration efforts aimed at rehabilitating the mined areas resulted in restoration ages of 25, 24, and 23 years across different sites. The study comprehensively examined vegetation and soil physicochemical properties at various depths, revealing the dominance of species like Murrayakoenigii, Acacia catechu, Vitex negundo, Eupatorium adenophorum, Grevillea robusta, and Lantana camara. Soil analyses unveiled variations in moisture content, bulk density, and coarse fragment percentage across the sites, a rise in organic carbon, phosphorous, and nitrogen levels, showcasing soil improvement post-restoration. Correlation analyses unveiled interrelationships between soil properties, emphasizing the importance of organic matter in influencing soil acidity. Vegetation analyses at different sites revealed evolving plant communities, with prominent species contributing to the ecological richness. The Importance Value Index (IVI) and Shannon Weiner Index (H') provided insights into species dominance and biodiversity. The results showed that the soil pH was slightly basic, and the available phosphorus and nitrogen levels were within the optimal range for plant growth. However, the bulk density and electrical conductivity values were higher than the recommended range. This study contributes valuable insights into the intricate interplay between mining activities, vegetation dynamics, and soil health, guiding future ecological restoration endeavors in similar contexts. The study concluded that the eco-restoration work carried out in the area has been successful in restoring the vegetation, but further assessment is required to ensure the long-term success of the restoration efforts.

Identification of antibiotic-resistance markers of Edwardsiella tarda using aptamers

Edwardsiella tarda poses significant challenges in the aquaculture sector due to its antibiotic resistance, leading to substantial economic loss in the aquaculture industry. Therefore, it is imperative to identify antibiotic-resistance markers to prevent and control E. tarda. In the present study, we used tetracycline-sensitive (S) and resistant (R) E. tarda strains and six non-target bacterial strains, to develop aptamers through the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment technique. We then conducted comparative analysis of these aptamers based on their relative importance index values and selected six candidate sequences (M1, M13, M15, N57, N69, and N71) for affinity verification. The results showed that M1 had significantly higher affinity towards both the S and R strains compared to the non-target strains. M13 and M15 had significantly higher affinities for the S strain compared to the R strain and non-target strains, and N57, N69, and N71 had significantly higher affinities for R strains relative to the sensitive and non-target strains. Subsequent analysis indicated that N57 and N69 specifically recognized unique sites in the R strain. Therefore, our study presents a novel approach for detecting and controlling antibiotic-resistant strains of E. tarda and identification of drug-resistant markers in bacteria.

Ethnoecology of home garden landscapes on Seliu Island, Belitung District, Indonesia

Abstract. Efendi D, Chikmawati T, Sulistijorini, Djuita NR. 2024. Ethnoecology of home garden landscapes on Seliu Island, Belitung District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1304-1319. Seliu Island, Belitung District, Indonesia, once famous for its copra production, is now a popular tourist destination for its mangoes. People on this island use many plants from their home gardens, but more information about the diversity of plants in the landscape needs to be presented. This study explored the ethnoecology of the home garden landscape on Seliu Island to determine vegetation cover and its role. Research methods include interviews, cruising, and purposive sampling for vegetation inventory to calculate the Importance Value Index (IVI). The research results showed that 119 species belonging to 58 families were identified as growing in Seliu Island home gardens. Based on the habit type, herbaceous plants are the mostly found. Based on the aspect of utilization, medicinal plants are the most found plants. Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. had the highest IVI (14.65). People use seven parts of plants for medicinal purposes, and the leaves are the most widely used part. Home gardens on Seliu Island have social, economic, cultural, and ecological functions. Plant diversity in home gardens on Seliu Island must be preserved and improved, considering that Seliu Island is separated from the main island, Belitung Island, so plants' availability must be maintained.