Importance Value Index Value Research Articles

Habitat suitability of wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) in Babai flood plain of Bardia National Park, Nepal

BackgroundWild water buffalo is an endangered species presently distributed in some countries of South and Southeast Asia with Nepal’s only population in the flood plain of the Koshi river at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR). Some of the individuals have been translocated to Chitwan National Park of central Nepal but the survival rate is not satisfactory. MethodsThis study was conducted in Babai flood plain of Bardia National Park (BNP) to identify a suitable habitat for wild water buffalo based on habitat parameters of KTWR. The study employed both the geospatial and vegetation analysis method. ResultsThe study found that Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum spontaneum, Cynodon dactylon were the three dominant grass species with important value index (IVI) of 74.15, 60.45, and 11.85 respectively in the Babai flood plain. Similarly, the dominant tree species in the Babai flood plain was Bombax ceiba with the IVI value of 127.81 followed by Shorea robusta, Termenalia tomentosa, Largestroemia parviflora, and Adina cardifolia with the IVI of 48.38, 21.04, 13.03 and 9.19 respectively. Out of the total 108.67 km2 of the entire study area of Babai flood plain, 8.26 km2 was found to be suitable, 100.12 km2 area moderately suitable, and 0.29 km2 area as less suitable. ConclusionsBabai flood plain of BNP is moderately suitable habitat for wild water buffalo. Grassland and wetland management and study of other parameters such as climate and prey-predator relationship is recommended before making the decision to translocate wild water buffaloes to the Babai flood plain of BNP.

The structure, composition, and threatened plants in The Kinarum Protected Forest, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Dodo, Hidayat S. 2020. The structure, composition, and threatened plants in The Kinarum Protected Forest, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2603-2618. Kinarum Protected Forest (Kinarum PF) is one of the remaining tropical forest areas in Tabalong District, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is feared that deforestation will occur in this forest due to various human activities. The research was conducted to determine the structure and composition of vegetation in Kinarum PF which several decades ago was once a forest concession area. This research also explored the existence of threatened, endemic, and protected plants. Research has been carried out using the track plot method. The total research area is 0.6 ha consisting of three transect lines with five plots measuring 20 x 20 m2 each transect. Data were analyzed with important value index (IVI), dominance index, species diversity index, and species abundance index. The results recorded 460 specimens belonging to 121 species, 86 genera, and 43 families. Most species are from the family Lauraceae followed by Moraceae and Rubiaceae. The results also recorded 42 species included in the IUCN red list plants, eight of which are classified as threatened plants, namely Aglaia angustifolia, Artocarpus tamaran, Dracontomelon costatum, Durio dulcis, Durio kutejensis, Eusideroxylon zwageri, Myristica magnifica, and Shorea guiso. These plants have an average IVI value less than 10% and the species abundance index is close to zero. In general, the forest condition is classified as moderate with a diversity index value at each growth stage in the range of values ​​1-3. However, IVI of each species, especially those belonging to the threatened, endemic, and protected plants are on average low.

The Biodiversity of Flora and Fauna in the Re-vegetation Area in The Post-Mining Area of Pongkor

The Pongkor post-mining area is designated as one of the ecotourism areas in Bogor. This area has biodiversity of flora and fauna. This study aims to: (1) analysis the importance value index (IVI) of flora types; (2) analysis species richness index, species diversity index, and relative species abundance index; (3) analysis the beauty, the uniqueness and the rarity of the flora and fauna types. The method used in this research is quantitative descriptive. Based on the identification results, 185 species of flora are distributed in this region. During the rainy season, 15 species of herpetofauna were identified, 32 types of aves, and 4 types of mammals, while in the dry season 19 species of herpetofauna were identified, 23 types of aves, and 2 types of mammals. Based on the results of the analysis conducted on these flora and fauna, there are flora species that have high IVI values and some beautiful and unique flora species that are in the category of endangered species. Besides that, there are also fauna species which have a value of species richness index, species diversity index, and relative species abundance index, as well as some beautiful, unique, and fauna species that are in the category of endangered species.

English

Phytosociological study was carried out in the outer periphery region of Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India. An attempt has been made to find out the characteristics of the vegetation community of the forests of the sanctuary. Analysis of the vegetation was done following the standard ecological methods widely adopted for such studies (quadrat method). A total of 68 plant species from 30 families were documented comprising of 14 species of tree, 42 species of shrubs and saplings and 12 species of herbs and seedlings. This study provides a baseline data for all such future studies as no previous ecological assessment about the forest vegetation of the sanctuary is available. In terms of Importance Value Index (IVI), Azadirachta indica with IVI value of 61.45 among trees was found most dominant followed by Shroea robusta (46) and Schleichera oleosa (37). Similarly most common plant species amongst shrubs and herbs were Ageratum conyzoides L. (IVI-40.08) and Mimosa pudica L. (IVI-45.67). The sanctuary has been under various anthropogenic pressures resulting in depletion of the vegetation. Near absence of saplings and seedlings of dominant forest trees is a matter of concern in the peripheral region of the sanctuary. The study revealed that, a suitable long term management intervention to step up regeneration of population in this area will go a long way in improving overall ecological and aesthetic value of the forests of the sanctuary area.   Key words: Importance Value Index (IVI), Santhal tribe, natural vegetation, traditional knowledge, strict enforcement.

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.

COMPOSITION AND CARBON STOCKS IN TALAGA KULON FOREST, MAJALENGKA DISTRICT, WEST JAVA PROVINCE, INDONESIA

The community forest in addition to the role for supplying wood and non-wood forest products industry, also play a role for carbon sinks, wich is stores into tree biomass. The species, diameter, and height are the most important properties of tress that are affecting the availability of tree biomass and carbon stock. The role of forests in carbon sinks have been gives a lot of benefits in reducing greenhouse effect which is caused global warming and climate change that also give affect to economy and environmental consequences. As the result, government of Indonesia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions that clauses contained in Regulations of President of The Republic of Indonesia Number 71/2011 on the Implementation of National GHG Inventory. This research took a place at the civilian forest of Talaga Kulon, Majalengka District. Describe the aims of research The methods that are used in this research to find the dominance and the Important Value Index (IVI) value is analysis of vegetation. Mean while for finding biomass calculate I used allometric equations. The result of this research showed that the species of Mahogany, Sengon, Teak, Tisuk and any African/Mences type are the one that have the highest dominance and IVI value. While the amount of Carbon stocks of Civilian Forest of Talaga Kulon Village is 43,55 tons C/ha which composed for pole-stage tree is 9,33 tons/ha and 34,22 tons/ha for sawtimber stage tree.

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

Mosses Diversity of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Lumajang, East Java

Mosses or bryophytes, belonging to the lower plants, can grow on higher plants (as epiphyte), stone (epilytic), bark (corticolus), and the surface of the soil. One of the important places in East Java and having a variety of potential mosses is Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. In this place, moss grows well because of the condition of the nature, humidity, and abundant air. This study aimed to identify and calculate the population of mosses at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Lumajang, East Java. The research sampling has been performed along hiking trip, riverside and tourist area of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. Quadratic method with grid lines with a plot size of 1x1 m² on the right and left sides of the river was used to collect and calculate mosses population. Mosses identification was performed using mosses identification key. The population data obtained from this study were analyzed by calculating Frequency, Dominancy and Important Value Index (IVI). This study found 7 species of mosses in which 3 species belong to Family Marcahntiaceae, 2 species belongs to Bryaceae and 1 species belongs to Pottiaceae and Anthocerotaceae, respectively. The highest of IVI value is specimen K2, corresponds to Pohlia flexuosa W.J. Hooker, with 78.178%, and the lowest of IVI value is specimen K6, corresponds to Marchantia sp. with 4.524%. It can be concluded that Tumpak Sewu Waterfall has diversity for mosses that could be useful to conserve Indonesian natural resources especially lower plants.

Eksplorasi Keanekaragaman Anggrek Epifit di Kawasan Konservasi Wilayah II Senduro, Blok Ireng-Ireng, Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru, Jawa Timur

Indonesia forest have high diversity of plants germaplasm, such as: moss, industrial food plant and ornamental plant. One of ornamental plant in the forest is orchid. Epiphytic orchid is a commensalism symbiote plant with the host tree. Many forest in Java converted to agricultural, industrial sectore so the population of epiphytic orchid start to be endangered (Puspitaningtyas, D.M., 2007). This is descriptive research with survey method. The purposes of the research were to know the diversity of epiphytic orchid and as consideration material of conservancy policy making by government. This research was conducted at Conservation Section Area II, Senduro, Ireng-Ireng Block, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Lumajang, East Java in January until February 2018. This research used 30 obervation plots with measuring size 20 x 20 m and 100 m interval per plot. Vegetation analized were: density, relative density (RD), frequency, relative frequency (RF), important value index (IVI)and Shannon-Wiener diversity index. Orchid of Java book used to identified orchid. This research found 19 host trees of epiphytic orchid, has been sucsessfully identified 15 genera and 39 species with total population 1245.The dominate species was Eria javanica with IVI value 27.46%, relative density (RD) 8.19%. Orchids with the lowest IVI value (0.68%) were Appendicula ramosa, Malleola ligulata , Taeniophyllum sp. and Trixspermum purpurasccens, relative density (RD) were 0.08% and relative frequency (RF) were 0.58%. According to Shannon-Wiener diversity index value (2.90), the epiphytic orchid diversity in this area can be categorized in “medium state”.

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.

Phytosociology of tree species in the Riverine Forest of Amirthi River, Amirthi Range of Vellore Forest Division, Tamil Nadu, India

A rapid inventory on phytosociology of tree species and their relation to the riverine forest of Amirthi river, Vellore Forest Division, Tamil Nadu, was explored using tree spies data-set of 35 quadrates in the study area. A very high species diversity of 69tree species with 754 individuals were recorded within the 0.35ha of area sampled. Among those species, Albizialebbeck, Ziziphusmauritiana, Bambusaarundinacea, Dalbergialanceolaria, Wrightiatinctoria, Tamarindusindica, Tectonagrandis, Pongamiapinnata, Ailanthus excelsa and Syzygiumcuminiwere the predominant tree species estimated top ten ranking order of Important Value Index (IVI). Fabaceae, Moraceae, Euphoraceae, Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae, Mimosaceae and Rubiaceae were the seven dominant families reported maximum species richness ranged from eight to four species. Shannon-Weiner index (H′) ranged from 3.61 to 3.69 while Simpson index from 0.95 to 0.96, and evenness index from 0.53 to 0.58. Since the IVI deals the density, distribution and dominance of a species, selected species of top 20 ranked IVI value were recommended for restoring the riverine forest of Amirthi river.

Diversity of Weeds and Population Dynamics of Predators and Prey Present in Wheat-Mustard Ecosystem at Paklihawa, Rupandehi, Nepal

A study was conducted at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa Rupandehi, agronomy field to study the diversity of weeds and population dynamics of predators and prey in wheat-mustard ecosystem. The study was conducted by quadrate sampling method using the wooden frame by selecting 40 sample spots, and locating its coordinates. Predator, prey, some of the beneficial and harmful insects as well as weed species was recorded in 5 days interval in the study. Relationships between the population of the mustard aphid and wheat aphid, lady bird beetle to maximum and minimum temperature were recorded in order to know the effect of temperature in relation to population density. Number of mustard aphid and its nymph has shown the positive significant relationship with the population of the spider in the wheat mustard ecosystem. Shannon Weiner Index value was calculated and the species richness was found to be 2.63 with the effective number of species value 9. The species evenness value was found to be 0.83 in the studied ecosystem which signifies that the given weed ecosystem is somewhat even. The importance value index (IVI) of the given ecosystem with the value of different weed species was calculated and it was found that the weed Anagalis arvensis was ranked as first with the IVI value of 57.98 following Vicia sativa and Chenopodium album. This signifies that the species Anagalis arvensis has greater control over the wheat mustard ecosystem of Paklihawa, Rupandehi.

Fitossociologia de plantas daninhas em função de diferentes manejos de coberturas de inverno

Para aumentar a eficiência do uso das coberturas de solo é importante conhecer quais espécies apresentam maior supressão de plantas daninhas e se o método de manejo das coberturas afeta o efeito de supressão. Objetivou-se, com esse trabalho, avaliar o efeito supressivo de diferentes coberturas de inverno e de diferentes manejos dessas coberturas através de índices fitossociológicos. Para isso conduziu-se um experimento em esquema fatorial 4 × 3, em um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. O primeiro fator foi constituído por diferentes espécies de cobertura de solo: aveia branca (Avena sativa), nabo (Raphanus raphanistrum), ervilhaca (Vicia sativa) e pousio; o segundo fator foi constituído pelos manejos de cobertura: controle químico, acamamento e sem manejo. No momento do manejo das coberturas foi quantificada a massa seca das mesmas. A comunidade infestante foi avaliada aos 75 dias após o manejo das coberturas, com avaliação do número de plantas daninhas, massa seca de plantas daninhas, frequência relativa, densidade relativa, dominância relativa e índice de valor de importância (IVI). A aveia produz a maior quantidade de massa seca. A comunidade infestante é composta por 31 espécies. No manejo químico, as coberturas de aveia e ervilhaca são as que mais suprimem o número de plantas daninhas. De modo geral, a dessecação promove maior número de plantas daninhas, porém diminui a massa seca das mesmas. As espécies Spermacoce latifolia, Conyza bonariensis e Sida rhombifolia apresentam elevados valores de IVI. A dessecação das coberturas favorece espécies tolerantes a herbicidas a se sobressaírem no ambiente.

Potensi Biofisik Hutan Kemasyarakatan Nanggala

This study aims to analyze the biophysical potential of Nanggala Community Forest Area by inventorying vegetation types at each growth stage, calculating carbon stock, Important Value Index (IVI), and analyzing the species diversity index, and the types of NTFPs utilized. This research was conducted by taking observation plots and recording plant species and measuring tree diameter, as well as interviews with community forest farmer groups. The results showed that pine type is the most common plant in the growth category of trees, while in the growth category of piles, stakes, and seedlings are dominated by coffee. The total carbon stock of Nanggala community forest area averaged 100,93 ton per ha, the highest IVI value was 78,93% in pine type for tree growth category and 67,85% in coffee for pile growth category. The value of H 'in the community forest area in the Saddang watershed is categorized as being at all levels of growth. The NTFP’s potential spread in the location of the research object consists of honey, sugar palm, and bamboo.

Structure of the arboreal community of a riparian forest in southernmost Brazil

The aim of this study was to understand the structure of the arboreal community from riparian wood remainders at the Taquari river, in the Taquari-Antas river drainage basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. 263 sampling units (SUs) of 100 m2 along transects parallel to the river were established. Height and girth measurements were taken at every SU for individuals with a breast-height girth ≥ 20 cm. Absolute and relative parameters for frequency, density, and dominance were defined, as well as the importance value index (IVI). The diversity was estimated by the Shannon (H’) and Pielou equitability (J) indexes. The similarity between fragments was assessed by clustering and principal coordinates analysis, considering the IVI and species abundance values, respectively. Were sampled 3.995 individuals, 112 species, and 39 botanical families were sampled. The absolute density was estimated at 1483 ind/ha. As to IVI, Luehea divaricata Mart. and Zucc. came first, followed by Terminalia australis Cambess. and Lonchocarpus nitidus (Vogel) Benth. Morus nigra L., an exotic invasive species, occurred in all remainders and ranked ninth in terms of IVI. The diversity was measured at H’: 3.78 nats/ind and J: 0.80. The fragments that are geographically closer and suffer direct influence from flooding present a greater similarity among each other. Despite the presence of exotic species, the riparian woodland remainders at Taquari river present high rates of floristic diversity, revealing the need for the adoption of urgent measures for their preservation. The differences between the remainders show that the knowledge of nearby remainders is required for the implementation of rescue projects.

Producción de hojarasca y atributos estructurales del manglar en la Laguna Mecoacán, Golfo de México.

Abstract: Mangroves are tropical species established along topographic gradients in coastal areas, where variations in salinity and flooding periods influence the composition and characteristics of primary productivity. In this paper the structural attributes and litter production of mangroves of the Mecoacan lagoon, Gulf of Mexico were evaluated. In six monitoring sites the floristic composition, diameter at breast height (DBH), height, density mature mangrove trees, juveniles, recruits and seedlings, extraction and mortality were determined. Besides, basal area, importance value index (IVI), coverage and Holdridge complexity index, were calculated. Productivity litter of different mangrove species was quantified by trapping capture, while the physico-chemical parameters in surface, interstitial and groundwater were determined by installing piezometers. The study sites in Mecoacan lagoon were classified into two physiographic types: fringe (Boca, Aspoquero, Arrastradero and Pajaral) and basin (Cerros and Mojarrero). 2 854 mature mangrove trees were measured, where 93% belonged to living trees, 4.4% of extracted trees, and 2.6% dead trees standing. The average density was 2 870 mature mangrove trees ha-1. The highest basal area was found in Pajaral (41.7 m-2 h-1). Avicennia germinans (L.) Stearn presented IVI values higher everywhere, for its high relative density. An average cover of 17.5 m2 was registered. The highest rate in complexity was registered in Cerros (27.5). The species showed zonation with salinity levels of interstitial water; A. germinans located in areas of high salinity (hypersalines) while Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn and Rhizophora mangle L. in areas of lower salinity. Litter production was 5.15 t ha-1 yr-1, it showed a positive correlation with rainfall and high negative correlation with salinity levels and ORP interstitial and groundwater. Results indicate that variability in the composition and structure of mangrove the Mecoacan, is locally determined by the ability to adapt to environmental conditions (salinity, redox potential) and interspecific relationships of the species present.

An Investigation of the Major Wheat Weeds in Different Zones of Dera Ismail Khan

On account of huge yield losses, weed infestation is a serious threat in wheat crops throughout the country. A comprehensive survey to find out the major weeds in wheat in Dera Ismail Khan was carried out during the crop season of 2012-13. Wheat fields at seed farms of Rakhmanghan, RakhZandani, Rata Kulachi and adjacent farmer’s fields to each seed farm were investigated. Data was collected at the peak growth stage of weeds and the quadratic method was used to record relative density (RD), relative frequency (RF), relative crowding coefficient (RCC) and importance value index (IVI). The results revealed that the major and most problematic weed of wheat at all the locations was Avena fatua (wild oat) on account of having maximum IVI at Rakh Manghan (78.51 & 77.44), Rata Kulachi (77.82 & 77.54) and Rakh Zandani (77.51 & 77.53) seed Farms and Farmer’s fields respectively. Rumex dentatus (dock) and Convolvulus arvensis (Lehli) were the second and third abundantly occurring weeds at almost all the seed farms and farmer fields on account of having the second and third highest IVI values at all the locations. Therefore Avena fatua (wildoat), Rumex dentatus (dock) and Convolvulus arvensis (lehli) seed were collected to find out the yield losses through further experimentation.

Plant community composition in relation to soil physico-chemical properties of the Ratargul swamp forest, Bangladesh

Vegetation composition in relation to soil physical and chemical properties of the Ratargul Swamp Forest was examined in the present study. Vegetation data were collected from 10 different sites by placing quadrats (10 m × 10 m) randomly at a distance of 500 m from each other in the forest area. Soil samples were collected from the centre of the quadrat. Plant species richness and the Shannon Diversity Index (H?) ranged from 3 to 7 and from 0.150 to 1.184 respectively, per quadrat. Among the tree species, Pongamia pinnata (L.) Merr. showed the highest important value index (IVI) value (15.62) indicating the dominance of the species in the forest. Among the shrubs, Schumannianthus dichotomus (Roxb.) Gagnep. showed the highest IVI value (36.25) and Phyllanthus disticha showed the lowest (2.2). Of the herbs, Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. showed the highest (92.44) and Asparagus racemosus L. showed the lowest (2.2) IVI values. Diameter at breast height (DBH) of P. pinnata (L.) Merr. varied largely from 29.26 to 169.77 cm indicating its growth variability from site to site in the forest. Soil pH, electric conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus also showed a large range of variation in the study area. Redundancy Discriminant Analysis showed that soil moisture, conductivity, organic carbon and total nitrogen were significantly correlated with plant species data. Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham and Mucuna zygantea DC. correlated with soil organic carbon and moisture content. On the other hand, S. dichotomus (Roxb.) Gagnep. showed significant correlation with soil conductivity. Results, thus, indicate that vegetation composition is related with soil properties in the Ratargul Swamp Forest.Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 25(1): 1-8, 2016

VARIATION IN VEGETATION COVER OF SHRUB AS A VEGETATION CANDIDATE FOR GREEN OPEN SPACE COMPONENT IN CEMPAKA SUBDISTRICT, BANJARBARU

Good urban structure and activity require green open space to improve the ecological functions in it, but trees are not fully able to meet the important space in the urban vegetation while woody shrubs have the potential for it. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the potential of shrub as the component of urban vegetation so that it can be used as the information regarding the planning for land conversion in Cempaka subdistrict. Three sampling stations with 3 plots of 4x4 m at each station were determined on the basis of green open space data of shrubs in Cempaka subdistrict using a purposive sampling method. The shrub canopy was analyzed and environmental parameters were measured. Data were analyzed using the analysis of canopy volume, Pearson correlation analysis and analysis of Importance Value Index (IVI). The results of shrub vegetation estimation indicated that the volume of shrub vegetation canopy in Cempaka subdistrict was up to 22,462,878.50 m3 while the area with shrubs in the subdistrict was 5,675.116 hectares. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the canopy volume of shrubs in Cempaka subdistrict affected the changes in environmental factors. The most dominant shrub species was Ficus fistulosa Reinw. ex Bl with IVI value of 56.1%. It can be concluded that shrubs have potential as the component of the green space vegetation in urban areas.

Diversity and Regeneration Status of Woody Species: The Case of Keja Araba and Tula Forests, South West Ethiopia

Deforestation and habitat fragmentation are the major environmental concerns in southwest Ethiopia. Understanding woody species diversity and socio-economic factors causing destruction of natural forests is crucial in the management of the remnant forest ecosystems. However, the forest in south west Ethiopia is poorly studied. This paper examines the diversity, regeneration status, socio-economic importance of the forests in Kaja Araba and Tula forests, southwestern Ethiopia. A systematic sampling strategy was used to collect vegetation data from the natural forests, while Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method was employed to generate the socio-economic data. A total of 60 square plots (30 for each forests measuring 10 m × 10 m) were established along line transects laid across the forests. Primary data were collected by field observation, semi-structured interview with key informants and discussion with relevant stakeholders. A total 51 woody species representing 25 families were found in the study area and of all the species 30 (59%) were trees, 18 (35%) trees/shrubs, and 3 (6%) shrubs. The most species rich families were Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae. The Shannon diversity and evenness of woody species in Keja Araba forest are 2.81 and 0.79, respectively and in Tula forest they are 3.14 and 0.86, respectively. Millettia ferruginea is the most frequent and abundant species at Keja Araba natural forest, while Vepris dainellii and Phoenix reclinata are the most frequent and abundant woody species at Tula natural forest, respectively. The total basal area of woody species in Keja Araba forest is 2612 m2·ha﹣1 and in Tula forest the value is 3751 m2·ha﹣1. In Keja Araba forest, the species with the highest IVI value are Sapium ellipticum, and in Tula forest it is Schefflera abyssinica. The results on the importance value index (IVI) and DBH class distributions show that the species with low IVI value and poor regeneration status need to be prioritized for conservation. Data collected from the key informants reveal that the forest is the major sources of fuel wood (94%), forest coffee and spices (80%), construction material (78%), timber (60%) and farm implements (58%). The forests are also sources of medicines, animal fodder, bee forage, handles tools and household utensils. Anthropogenic factors such as expansion of agricultural land, fuel wood collection, charcoal making, land use change by investors and settlements of people are responsible for destruction of natural forest in the study area, in descending order of severity. Thus, it is important to give conservation priority to the last Afromontane forest remnants in southwestern Ethiopia to achieve sustainable utilization of the forest ecosystems.