Struktur dan Komposisi Jenis Pohon pada Habitat Meranti Sarang Punai (Shorea parvifolia subsp. parvifolia) di Muara Talam Pulau Mursala

Abstract

Mursala Island is the largest island in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. S. parvifolia subsp. parvifolia, has been categorized as an Endangered species by the IUCN. This study aimed to analyze the species composition, diversity, and stand structure in the habitat of S. parvifolia subsp. parvifolia in the Muara Talam forest area, Mursala Island. The study employed purposive sampling methods by establishing plots at locations where the target species was found. Eight observation plots were established in the Muara Talam forest area. The highest Importance Value Index (IVI) at the seedling and sapling stages was obtained from Tetracera sarmentosa and S. parvifolia subsp. parvifolia with values of 27,12% and 30,37%, respectively. At the pole and tree stages, the highest IVI was dominated by Dipterocarpus kunstleri with values of 81,31% and 47,81%. A total of 21 individuals of S. parvifolia subsp. parvifolia were recorded across all growth phases. The horizontal structure at the study site showed an inverted "J" curve pattern, indicating good regeneration, while the vertical structure revealed varied vegetation composition with dominance from strata E, D, and C. Environmental growing conditions showed an average soil pH of 6,5, temperature of 27,2°C, and humidity of 88%. The information obtained from this research is expected to serve as a reference for natural forest conservation and management efforts, particularly for protecting rare species such as S. parvifolia subsp. parvifolia and maintaining the sustainability of tropical forest ecosystems on Mursala Island.