Characteristics of Lowland Rain Forest Communities in the Mount Bulusaraung Complex, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, South Sulawesi

Abstract

Abstract National Park is one of the conservation areas that aims to maintain biodiversity and its ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to know the characteristics of forest communities in the park area, to be used as a basis for managing its ecosystem. This study aims to determine the characteristics of communities and plant biodiversity in lowland forests in the Mount Bulusaraung complex, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park. The survey method was used to collect vegetation data related to tree diameter and tree height from selected tree populations. Determination of sample plots was carried out by systematic sampling based on variations in altitude from 400 m to 750 m asl, where the distance between plots was 50 m asl. The number of plots used in data collection was 19 samples. The size of the sample plot was 20 m x 20 m, placed perpendicular to the slope. Research results show that the lowland rainforest community in the Mount Bulusaraung has been degraded, but in general this rainforest will continue to grow well because it is already protected in a conservation area. A total of 129 plant species were recorded from sample plots with a total area of 0.76 ha, consisting of 53 families, dominated by 13 species of Lauraceae, followed by 11 species of Rubiaceae, eight species of Phyllanthaceae and five species each from Anacardiaceae, Myrtaceae, and Cluciaceae. The diversity index (H’) reached 4.184 or is included in the very high category. As many as 25 important species were found which are useful as building materials, medicinal ingredients, food and drink ingredients, and feed for endemic animals ( Macaca maura and Ailurops ursinus ). The results of this study will improve the management strategy in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park in order to align efforts to conserve biological resources with the needs of the surrounding community.

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