Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Tropical peat swamp forests are ecosystems that support high biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. However, landuse changes have degraded these forests, leading to species loss. High Conservation Value (HCV) areas are designated to mitigate these impacts and promote sustainable forest management. This study examined plant diversity and vegetation structure in two zones an insitu conservation and a silvicultural managed strip (Strip RKT)—within PT Diamond Raya Timber’s concession in Riau, Indonesia. Fieldwork from September to November 2023 involved plot sampling for vegetation and direct-observation methods for fauna. Diversity was analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener index (H'), evenness (E), and species richness (N). Results showed the conservation area had greater species richness, diversity, and evenness. Dominant species included Litsea spp., Eugenia spp., and Uranda scarpiodes. HCV species like Shorea spp., Gonystylus bancanus, and Palaquium spp. were mostly found in the conservation zone. The lower diversity in the production area indicates anthropogenic disturbance. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining habitat integrity to support endemic and threatened species. Strengthening the management of insitu HCV areas is vital for conserving biodiversity and ensuring the ecological resilience of tropical peat swamp forests.
Authors: Sri Rahayu Prastyaningsih, Irwan Effendy, Azwin Azwin, Repi Repi
Institutions: Universitas Lancang Kuning, Riau University
Language: English
Subfield: Forestry
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7089717653