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Dersita, Rambey R, Muhtadi A, Onrizal O, Mamurung VR, Hasibuan JS, Tamba IS. 2022. Biodiversity of nekton in the Barumun Watershed, Labuhanbatu District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 2426-2432. Biodiversity is a very valuable source of germplasm for science and sustainable development. Therefore, research on freshwater biodiversity is very important to support the sustainability of this development. The research investigated three rivers in South Labuhanbatu District, North Sumatra, Indonesia: Barumun, Tasik, and Titi Kembar rivers. This investigation aims to ascertain the composition, distribution, and variety of nekton. From April to August 2020, the trial lasted five months. Nekton samples were collected with the aid of nets and fishing nets. While installed in the afternoon, the nets are removed the following day. Additionally, at each observation point, stocking nets were operated three times. The investigation discovered 38 fish species and one shrimp species. Two species of fish discovered, are protected by the government of the Republic of Indonesia. Both fish species are Tenualosa terubuk, a fish with little protection, and Fluvitrygon signifer, a ray fish with complete protection. The study site's sole shrimp species was the gigantic prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii in the Barumun river. The index of nekton diversity discovered in the three rivers was not identical. Compared to other rivers, the Tasik river station has a high diversity. This makes the Tasik river rich in fish compared to the Barumun and Titi Kembar rivers. The Tasik river is recommended as water suitable for fish life from these results.

Masyarakat Kampung Nelayan Seberang Belawan sudah ada sejak 1957. Sejumlah nelayan awalnya menjadikan pinggiran hutan mangrove di Pesisir Belawan sebagai tempat singgah sementara selama melaut, namun seiring waktu kini berkembang menjadi perkampungan nelayan. Kehidupan nelayan pesisir masih sangat tradisonal dan cenderung marginal dari kegiatan pembangunan. Mereka mengandalkan penghidupan dari hasil tangkapan laut seperti ikan, kepiting dan udang. Keberadaan hutan mangrove yang berstatus hutan lindung dan hutan produksi terbatas di sekitar perkampungan nelayan belum banyak berdampak terhadap kesejahteraan. Bahkan di tahun 2000an banyak yang memanfaatkan mangrove secara illegal untuk dibuat menjadi arang, sehingga menurunkan produktivitas tangkapan laut serta mengancam kelestarian lingkungan. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat dengan konsep Desa Binaan USU di Pesisir Belawan ini dirancang dengan tujuan untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan nelayan melalui pemanfaatan jasa lingkungan ekowisata hutan mangrove berbasis ekonomi masyarakat. Metoda yang digunakan LPPM USU yaitu memfasilitasi pembentukan kelembagaan wisata dengan pola kemitraan nelayan dan Dinas Kehutanan Provinsi Sumatera Utara serta pelatihan pengelolaan ekowisata. Analisis potensi wisata menunjukkan hutan mangrove sangat terbuka untuk dikembangkan menjadi ekowisata di Pesisir Belawan. Pengelolaan ekowisata diharapkan menjadi pintu akses masyarakat terhadap pemanfaatan hutan mangrove secara legal serta adanya alternatif penghidupan yang berkelanjutan.

Rambey R, Susilowati A, Rangkuti AB, Onrizal O, Desrita, Ardhi R, Hartanto A. 2021. Plant diversity, structure and composition of vegetation around Barumun Watershed, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3250-3256. Watershed ecosystem plays an important role in water and soil conservation which is supported by vegetation around watershed. As such, vegetation analysis is beneficial to assess the current state of watershed vegetation and monitor future changes. Barumun Watershed, located in South Labuhanbatu District, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, is under threat due to habitat degradation and land conversion for plantation and agriculture. This research aimed to investigate the diversity, structure and composition of vegetation in the Barumun River including its smaller streams (rivulets). Data were collected using a combination of line transect and quadratic plots arranged systematically. The total observation plots were 48 plots, consisting of 24 plots in Barumun River, 12 plots in Tasik Rivulet and 12 plots in Titi Kembar Rivulet. The results documented a total of 51 plants in the studied sites in Barumun Watershed in which 37 species were found in Barumun River, 20 species in Tasik Rivulet and 17 species in the Titi Kembar Rivulet. Plant species consisted of several habitus including herbs, palms, shrubs, climbers and trees. The trees consisted of 22 species (43.13%), herbs 22 species (43.13%), climbers 3 species (5.88%), shrubs two species (3.92%), and palm two species (3.92%). The highest Importance Value Index (IVI) for tree community was recorded in the Barumun River from Hevea brasiliensis (108.28), followed by Cryptocarya sp. (123.24) in the Titi Kembar Rivulet. In addition, the highest IVI for pole, sapling, seedling, and shrub was recorded from Muntingia calabura (Barumun River), Nauclea orientalis (Tasik Rivulet), Psychotria viridiflora (Tasik Rivulet), and Calamus axillaris (Titi Kembar Rivulet), respectively. The plant diversity in Barumun Watershed was categorized from low to moderate level of richness.

Aim Palms are an iconic, diverse and often abundant component of tropical ecosystems that provide many ecosystem services. Being monocots, tree palms are evolutionarily, morphologically and physiologically distinct from other trees, and these differences have important consequences for ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration and storage) and in terms of responses to climate change. We quantified global patterns of tree palm relative abundance to help improve understanding of tropical forests and reduce uncertainty about these ecosystems under climate change. Location Tropical and subtropical moist forests. Time period Current. Major taxa studied Palms (Arecaceae). Methods We assembled a pantropical dataset of 2,548 forest plots (covering 1,191ha) and quantified tree palm (i.e., ≥10cm diameter at breast height) abundance relative to co‐occurring non‐palm trees. We compared the relative abundance of tree palms across biogeographical realms and tested for associations with palaeoclimate stability, current climate, edaphic conditions and metrics of forest structure. Results On average, the relative abundance of tree palms was more than five times larger between Neotropical locations and other biogeographical realms. Tree palms were absent in most locations outside the Neotropics but present in >80% of Neotropical locations. The relative abundance of tree palms was more strongly associated with local conditions (e.g., higher mean annual precipitation, lower soil fertility, shallower water table and lower plot mean wood density) than metrics of long‐term climate stability. Life‐form diversity also influenced the patterns; palm assemblages outside the Neotropics comprise many non‐tree (e.g., climbing) palms. Finally, we show that tree palms can influence estimates of above‐ground biomass, but the magnitude and direction of the effect require additional work. Conclusions Tree palms are not only quintessentially tropical, but they are also overwhelmingly Neotropical. Future work to understand the contributions of tree palms to biomass estimates and carbon cycling will be particularly crucial in Neotropical forests.

Sampai saat ini upaya penangkaran trenggiling (Manis javanica) sangat terbatas, padahal ancaman kepunangan sangat tinggi akibat perburuan dan perdagangan ilegal serta kerusakan habitat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyusun strategi penangkaran trenggiling dalam upaya mempelajari perilaku trenggiling di penangkaran. Penelitian dilakukan dengan cara penangkaran di kandang satwa liar yang dimodifikasi, diberikan pakan dan dicatat perilakunya. Trenggiling yang ditangkarkan berasal dari hasil sitaan dari masyarakat dan penyerahan Balai Besar Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (BBKSDA) Sumatera Utara. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa trenggiling merupakan (a) satwa yang sulit beradaptasi dengan lingkungan baru, (b) satwa yang memiliki tingkat stress yang tinggi apabila berdekatan dengan manusia, (c) satwa sangat rentan terhadap penyakit, terutama flu pada lingkungan yang baru, (d) satwa yang menyukai sarang semut dari alam untuk konsumsinya dibandingkan dengan kroto atau lainnya. Oleh karena itu, untuk membudidayakan trenggiling di penangkaran diperlukan (a) bibit yang berasal dari kondisi fisik habitat yang sama, (b) pemeliharaan kesehatan harus intensif, (c) kandang menggunakan tembok dan pagar besi dengan lantai tanah dan (d) ketersediaan air yang cukup serta (e) pemberian pakan pada tahap pemeliharaan awal (1-2 bulan) sebaiknya menggunakan sarang semut yang diambil dari alam. The efforts of capturing pangolin (Manis javanica) are very limited so far, even though the threat of extinction is very high due to hunting, illegal trade, and habitat destruction. This study aims to develop a pangolin breeding strategy in an effort to study anteater behavior in captivity. The study was carried out by capturing the cage of modified wildlife, feeding and recording behavior. The anteater that is anchored from confiscated products from the community and the surrender of the Center for Natural Resources Conservation (BBKSDA), North Sumatra. The results showed that anteater was (a) an animal that is difficult to adapt to a new environment, (b) animals that have a high level of stress when close to humans, (c) animals were very susceptible to diseases, especially flu in new environments, (d ) animals that like ant nests from nature to consume compared to others. Therefore, to cultivate anteaters in captivity it is necessary (a) seedlings originating from the same physical condition of habitat, (b) health care must be intensive, (c) cages using iron walls and fences with soil floors and (d) availability of water enough and (e) feeding in the initial maintenance stage (1-2 months) should use ant nests taken from nature.

Hutan mangrove telah diketahui memiliki peran penting sebagai penyangga kehidupan kawasan pantai dan mata rantai penghubung ekosistem daratan dan ekosistem laut. Namun demikian tekanan terhadap lanskap hutan mangrove dirasakan semakin besar tiap tahunnya dalam bentuk deforestasi. Pemanfaatan citra satelit resolusi tinggi dari Google Earth dapat digunakan untuk kegiatan monitoring lanskap hutan mangrove dalam skala yang lebih detail. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi deforestasi serta kesesuaian pola peruntukan ruang pada lanskap hutan mangrove di Percut Sei Tuan pada periode tahun 2011 - 2016. Pendekatan metodelogi yang digunakan adalah dengan menggunakan post classificaion comparism dengan metode on screen pada citra satelit dari google earth. Hasil penelitian menunjukan besarnya laju deforestasi pada lanskap hutan mangrove sebesar 77,43ha atau sebesar 15,43 ha/tahun. Penggunaan lahan pada lanskap hutan mangrove di Percut Sei Tuan pada tahun 2011 dan 2016 tidak sesuai dengan peruntukan lahan sebagaimana yang tercantum dalam Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah Kabupaten Deli Serdang. Mangrove forests have been known to have an important role as a buffer to the life of coastal areas and links to land ecosystems and marine ecosystems. However, the pressure on the landscape of mangrove forests is greater each year in the form of deforestation. The use of high-resolution satellite imagery from Google Earth can be used to monitor the landscape of mangrove forests on a more detailed scale. This study aims to identify deforestation and the suitability of space designation patterns in the mangrove forest landscape in Percut Sei Tuan in the period 2011 - 2016. The methodological approach used is to use post classificaion comparism with on-screen methods on satellite images from Google Earth. The results showed that the rate of deforestation in the mangrove forest landscape was 77.43 ha or 15.43 ha / year. Land use in the mangrove forest landscape in Percut Sei Tuan in 2011 and 2016 is not in accordance with the land allotment as stated in the Deli Serdang Regency Spatial Plan.

Hutan mangrove merupakan sumber daya lahan basah yang berfungsi sebagai penyangga kehidupan. Namun demikian, dalam beberapa dekade terakhir, hutan mangrove banyak yang rusak atau hilang, terutama akibat konversi mangrove menjadi lahan tambak. Kegiatan restorasi mangrove pada lahan bekas tambak telah mulai dilakukan dalam beberapa tahun terakhir. Peneltian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur pemulihan jenis-jenis mangrove melalui kegiatan restorasi mangrove pada lahan bekas tambak serta mengetahui komposisi jenis hutan mangrove hasil restorasi dimaksud di pesisir timur Sumatera Utara. Sebanyak 30 plot contoh yang masing masing berukuran 10 m x 10 m telah dibangun di setiap umur tegakan (5-9 tahun) dan hutan sekunder. Seluruh pohon yang berdiameter (DBH) ≥ 2 cm di dalam plot contoh diidentifikasi dan diukur diamaternya. Secara keseluruhan, terdapat 14 jenis mangrove pada seluruh plot contoh atau setara dengan 42,42% dari seluruh jenis tumbuhan mangrove sejati yang terdapat di Indonesia. Dengan demikian, restorasi mangrove mampu memulihkan keanekaragaman jenis mangrove, sehingga restorasi mangrove pada lahan bekas tambak perlu dipromosikan dalam upaya mengembalikan berbagai fungsi mangrove bagi ketahanan masyarakat dan sumberdaya pesisir. Mangrove forest is a wetland resource that serves as a buffer zone. However, in the past few decades, many mangrove forests have been damaged or converted, mainly into ponds. To address such a problem, mangrove restoration activities have begun in recent years. This research aims to measure the recovery of mangrove species on ex-pond land and indicate the type of mangrove forest composition through the mangrove restoration activities in North Sumatra. A total of 30 sample plots, with 10 m x 10 m size each, have been built at each stand age (5-9 years) and secondary forests. All trees with a diameter (DBH) ≥ 2 cm in the sample plot are identified and measured. The results show that overall, there are 14 types of mangroves in all sample plots, equivalent to 42.42% of all pure mangrove species in Indonesia. Therefore, it can be concluded that the activities can restore the diversity of mangrove species, so that needs to be promoted as an effort to restore the various functions of mangroves to resilience the community and coastal resources.

Melia azedarach L. is one of the fast growing spesies which is potential to be develoved in community forest. This species is found to ocuppy most agroforestry lands in Selaawi Village (Garut, West Java). Based on interview with community that there are two types small fruit mindi and big fruit mindi. Microsatelit marker were used to assess the genetic variation. The results showed that the genetic variation of mindi in Selaawi Village was high ranging from He 0,379 – 0,439.

The Tapanuli orangutan survives today in less than 1,200 km of rainforest in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, in an area known as Batang Toru, where it was scientifically discovered in 1997. Teeming with endangered fauna and flora, the Batang Toru forest has been partially felled and fragmented and parts of the remainder allocated to agriculture, mining, hydropower and geothermal-energy production. The Tapanuli orangutan is estimated to number just 767 individuals, divided among three subpopulations. Its total remaining habitat 10 is merely a tenth the size of Sydney, Australia.

To date, performance of the management of Indonesian production forests are discouraging. The concession areas, timber production and employment have been decreasing over time. concern on these matter and to improve management, a research was conducted for six years (2008-2013) and resulted in recommendations to implement the Multi-System of Silviculture (MSS) systems. Two products were generated in MSS; criteria and indicator to guide the selection of appropriate silvicultural system and supersilvik, a model to develop the best business plans. This paper evaluates and strengthens the recommendations through the simulation of MSS products in PT. Sarmiento Parakantja Timber (Sarpatim), Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Various data variables were used, such as thematic maps of forest areas, data of stand, materials, equipments, labors, finances and incomes. Data were processed in a variety of formulations which were connected to each other in model systems to produce a variety of outcomes, such as production, finance, employment and tax contributions. Results offer four options to improve PT. Sarpatim performance, one of which is the best choice. Compared to the former business model under limited silvicultural systems, MSS projected an increase in the use of land, timber production and employment by 151-753%. Implementing MSS will provide a better and healthier finance for company with an increase of NPV up to 193%; as well as for government tax revenues with an increase up to 308%. This MSS case study strongly suggests using the new theory that the management of production forests is a land and plant-based enterprises, which should put the land as the major capital and silvicultural aspects as the driving engine for production. The policy makers should be able to use these results as a reference in implementing MSS widely as part of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) practices.

Mangrove forests are important for the productivity of estuary ecosystems, including diversity and population of coastal biota because of their contribution through the fall of litter so that mangroves as the first chain of tropical chains on the coast. Most of marine biota species are thought to be highly dependent on mangrove areas from west to east tropical region. About 70% of fish caught were only found in mangrove forests that were still good. The fish population and species in healthy mangroves were 159-234% and 116-129% greater than mangrove forests that have been degraded, respectively. The loss and degradations of mangroves also causes fishermen income to decrease. Therefore, the healthy mangrove should be maintained with properly management as well as the degraded mangrove should be restored based on scientific basis. Conserving and restoring mangroves are becoming a very productive investment, not only for the present generation, but also for future generations.

Knowledge about the biogeographic affinities of the world's tropical forests helps to better understand regional differences in forest structure, diversity, composition, and dynamics. Such understanding will enable anticipation of region-specific responses to global environmental change. Modern phylogenies, in combination with broad coverage of species inventory data, now allow for global biogeographic analyses that take species evolutionary distance into account. Here we present a classification of the world's tropical forests based on their phylogenetic similarity. We identify five principal floristic regions and their floristic relationships: (i) Indo-Pacific, (ii) Subtropical, (iii) African, (iv) American, and (v) Dry forests. Our results do not support the traditional neo- versus paleotropical forest division but instead separate the combined American and African forests from their Indo-Pacific counterparts. We also find indications for the existence of a global dry forest region, with representatives in America, Africa, Madagascar, and India. Additionally, a northern-hemisphere Subtropical forest region was identified with representatives in Asia and America, providing support for a link between Asian and American northern-hemisphere forests.

International audience; AbstractKey messageThis study assessed the effect of ecological variables on tree allometry and provides more accurate aboveground biomass (AGB) models through the involvement of large samples representing major islands, biogeographical zones and various succession and degradation levels of natural lowland forests in the Indo-Malay region. The only additional variable that significantly and largely contributed to explaining AGB variation is grouping based on wood-density classes.ContextThere is a need for an AGB equation at tree level for the lowland tropical forests of the Indo-Malay region. In this respect, the influence of geographical, climatic and ecological gradients needs to be assessed.AimsThe overall aim of this research is to provide a regional-scale analysis of allometric models for tree AGB of lowland tropical forests in the Indo-Malay region.MethodsA dataset of 1300 harvested trees (5 cm ≤ trunk diameter ≤ 172 cm) was collected from a wide range of succession and degradation levels of natural lowland forests through direct measurement and an intensive literature search of principally grey publications. We performed ANCOVA to assess possible irregular datasets from the 43 study sites. After ANCOVA, a 1201-tree dataset was selected for the development of allometric equations. We tested whether the variables related to climate, geographical region and species grouping affected tree allometry in the lowland forest of the Indo-Malay region.ResultsClimatic and major taxon-based variables were not significant in explaining AGB variations. Biogeographical zone was a significant variable explaining AGB variation, but it made only a minor contribution on the accuracy of AGB models. The biogeographical effect on AGB variation is more indirect than its effect on species and stand characteristics. In contrast, the integration of wood-density classes improved the models significantly.ConclusionOur AGB models outperformed existing local models and will be useful for improving the accuracy on the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in tropical forests. However, more samples of large trees are required to improve our understanding of biomass distribution across various forest types and along geographical and elevation gradients.

Mangrove forests are one of the coastal wetland ecosystems and productive that functions as a buffer of life. However, in the last few decades, mangrove forests continue to be degraded or lost due to various human activities, especially the conversion of mangroves into ponds. Mangrove restoration on abandoned pond land has been carried out in recent years in eastern coast of North Sumatra. This study aimed to determine the diversity and structure of mangrove vegetation resulting from restoration on ex-pond lands on the eastern coast of North Sumatra. A total of 30 sample plots, each measuring 10m x 10 m, have been built at each age of stands from 5 years-old to 9 years-old and secondary forests. All trees with diameter (DBH) ≥ 2 cm in the sample plot were identified, measured DBH and height. The restored mangroves on the eastern coast of North Sumatra have high regeneration although the diversity was lower than secondary mangroves. A number of mangrove tree species were found growing in restored mangrove even though they were not planted. Therefore, the mangrove restorations have good impact on mangrove conservation. Some efforts to maintain mangrove forests from restoration and secondary forests need to be considered in order to avoid various disturbances.

Mangrove forests are wetland resources in coastal areas that important role in supporting of life. However, in recent decades, many mangrove forests have been degraded or lost, mainly due to the conversion of mangroves into ponds. Mangrove restoration activities on ex-pond lands have begun in recent years on the eastern coast of North Sumatra. This study aimed to measure the recovery of mangrove species through restoration activities on ex-pond lands and to know the composition of the restored mangrove forests at the eastern coast of North Sumatra. A total of 30 sample plots, each plot size of 10m by 10m, have been established at each age of mangrove stands (5-9 years) and secondary forests. All trees with the diameter (DBH) ≥ 2 cm in the sample plot were identified and measured the DBH. Overall, there were 14 mangrove species in all sample plots, equivalent to 42.42% of all true mangrove plants found in Indonesia. This result indicated that mangrove restoration has succeeded in restoring mangrove species diversity. Therefore, the mangrove restoration on ex-pond land needs to be promoted in an effort to restore various mangrove functions for community and coastal resources resilience.

Aim Large trees (d.b.h. 70 cm) store large amounts of biomass. Several studies suggest that large trees may be vulnerable to changing climate, poten- tially leading to declining forest biomass storage. Here we determine the importance of large trees for tropical forest biomass storage and explore which intrinsic (species trait) and extrinsic (environment) variables are associated with the density of large trees and forest biomass at continental and pan-tropical scales. Location Pan-tropical.

Aim Large trees (d.b.h.≥70 cm) store large amounts of biomass. Several studies suggest that large trees may be vulnerable to changing climate, potentially leading to declining forest biomass storage. Here we determine the importance of large trees for tropical forest biomass storage and explore which intrinsic (species trait) and extrinsic (environment) variables are associated with the density of large trees and forest biomass at continental and pan-tropical scales. Location Pan-tropical. Methods Aboveground biomass (AGB) was calculated for 120 intact lowland moist forest locations. Linear regression was used to calculate variation in AGB explained by the density of large trees. Akaike information criterion weights (AICc-wi) were used to calculate averaged correlation coefficients for all possible multiple regression models between AGB/density of large trees and environmental and species trait variables correcting for spatial autocorrelation. Results Density of large trees explained c. 70% of the variation in pan-tropical AGB and was also responsible for significantly lower AGB in Neotropical [287.8 (mean)±105.0 (SD) Mg ha -1 versus Palaeotropical forests (Africa 418.3±91.8 Mg ha-1; Asia 393.3±109.3 Mg ha-1). Pan-tropical variation in density of large trees and AGB was associated with soil coarseness (negative), soil fertility (positive), community wood density (positive) and dominance of wind dispersed species (positive), temperature in the coldest month (negative), temperature in the warmest month (negative) and rainfall in the wettest month (positive), but results were not always consistent among continents. Main conclusions Density of large trees and AGB were significantly associated with climatic variables, indicating that climate change will affect tropical forest biomass storage. Species trait composition will interact with these future biomass changes as they are also affected by a warmer climate. Given the importance of large trees for variation in AGB across the tropics, and their sensitivity to climate change, we emphasize the need for in-depth analyses of the community dynamics of large trees.

Angke-Kapuk Protected Forest with total area 44.76 ha is part of the Tegal Alur-Angke Kapuk mangrove forests. Therefore, this forest has important role as an interface between terrestrial and marine ecosystems, whether physical, biological or social-economic aspects, todetermine mangrove ecosystem as a productive and unique ecosystem in the coastal area. However, the study of floristic of the mangrove vegetation in this forest has never to be done previously. According to the study on September to November 2003, in this forest found 8 species of mangrove trees. The tree species can be classified into two groups. The first group is true mangroves (7 species), i.e. Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, R. stylosa, Sonneratia caseolaris (major component), Excoecaria agallocha, and Xylocarpus moluccensis (minor component). The last group is mangrove associate, i.e. Terminalia catappa. In this forest also found 7 tree species, i.e. Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Calophyllum inophyllum, Cerbera manghas, Paraserianthes falcataria, Tamarindus indicus, Acacia mangium, and A. auriculiformis as introduced species. The growth level of B. gymnorhiza, C. inophyllum and C. manghas up to now is seedling and sapling, while the growth level of another introduced species is till in pole and tree.© 2005 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: mangrove tree species, Angke-Kapuk Protected Forest.

Ecological studies on mangrove forest in East Coast of North Sumatra have been carried out with field work in transect method and laboratory analyses. This study would be covered on floristic composition, abrasion, green belt, soil properties, and water quality of mangroves. Land system map and landsat TM imagery (year 1996 coverage) as main material in this study were used and overlay to determine training area. Based on vegetation inventory found that 20 mangrove species and by vegetation analyses, we known that Avicennia marina was as dominant tree species of seedling and sapling stage. Tree stage was not found in the area, yet. Environment properties of the mangrove area were suitable for mangrove growth and rehabilitation with the exception of pyrite content in the mangrove soil. Average of mangrove green belt was 25 m with range from 10 to 80 m in KJP (Kajapah) land system and 30 m with range 10 to 50 m in PTG (Putting) land system. Abrasion rate in the area was very high, i.e. 6 m per year in KJP land system, and 10 m per year in PTG land system.© 2008 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: mangrove, abrasion, green belt, soil properties, water quality, North Sumatra

Onrizal, Mansor M. 2015. Status of coastal forests of the Northern Sumatra in 2005 (after 2004's tsunami catastrophe) Biodiversitas 17: 44-54. The first intensive ecological study of coastal vegetation including mangrove, littoral and peat swamp forests after the 2004 tsunami catastrophe in Northern Sumatra was conducted from January to December 2005 where 16 sampling sites along 2960km coastline in Northern Sumatra were selected. In each site, one quadrate of 100 m x 100 m was established and divided into 10 m x 10 m subplots where all standing trees of ≥ 2 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were identified to species level and measured. Overall 54,871 standing trees were recorded in 16 sites comprising 84 species in 65 genera and 37 families. Mangrove trees Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata were widely distributed and are dominant in most of the sampling sites. This indicated that these species have stronger resilient compared to other species. The highest value of Shannon-Wiener index of species and Evenness index of species was 3.03 and 0.85, respectively. It means that some sites were rich in biodiversity which harbors various species of plants. Subsequently, undisturbed coastal forests including mangroves, littoral forests and peat swamp forests characterized by dense stands, mixed species and structures play an important role in coastal protection against tsunami. Therefore, the coastal vegetation is needed to conserve the biodiversity and to maintain the production capacity as part of sustainable and longlasting vegetation bioshield.

The objective of the research was to know species composition and structure of ex-burned heath forest. Field research was carried out from 23 June to 5 July and 10 to 25 September 2004 on the foot-slope of Semujan Hill, Danau Sentarum National Park, West Kalimantan. Ten-sample units (SU) with each size 10 x 10 m are placed based on random sampling method. On each SU, trees with diameter  2 cm cm were identified and the diameter (DBH) and height are recorded. Fourteen tree species were found within a 0.1 ha SU, consisting of 12 genus and 8 families. Tree density is exponentially decreased from trees with small diameter to trees with big diameter.Key words: species composition, forest structure, ex-burned heath forest, Danau Sentarum National Park, West Kalimantan.

Aim Palms are an iconic, diverse and often abundant component of tropical ecosystems that provide many ecosystem services. Being monocots, tree palms are evolutionarily, morphologically and physiologically distinct from other trees, and these differences have important consequences for ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration and storage) and in terms of responses to climate change. We quantified global patterns of tree palm relative abundance to help improve understanding of tropical forests and reduce uncertainty about these ecosystems under climate change. Location Tropical and subtropical moist forests. Time period Current. Major taxa studied Palms (Arecaceae). Methods We assembled a pantropical dataset of 2,548 forest plots (covering 1,191 ha) and quantified tree palm (i.e., ≥10 cm diameter at breast height) abundance relative to co‐occurring non‐palm trees. We compared the relative abundance of tree palms across biogeographical realms and tested for associations with palaeoclimate stability, current climate, edaphic conditions and metrics of forest structure. Results On average, the relative abundance of tree palms was more than five times larger between Neotropical locations and other biogeographical realms. Tree palms were absent in most locations outside the Neotropics but present in >80% of Neotropical locations. The relative abundance of tree palms was more strongly associated with local conditions (e.g., higher mean annual precipitation, lower soil fertility, shallower water table and lower plot mean wood density) than metrics of long‐term climate stability. Life‐form diversity also influenced the patterns; palm assemblages outside the Neotropics comprise many non‐tree (e.g., climbing) palms. Finally, we show that tree palms can influence estimates of above‐ground biomass, but the magnitude and direction of the effect require additional work. Conclusions Tree palms are not only quintessentially tropical, but they are also overwhelmingly Neotropical. Future work to understand the contributions of tree palms to biomass estimates and carbon cycling will be particularly crucial in Neotropical forests.