Tree diversity and forest structure of tropical forest in Mount Geulis, Cianjur

Abstract

This study attempted to describe tree diversityand forest structurein Mount Geulis forest, Cianjur. We placedsixty nested quadrat plots for each category: 20 m x 20 m for trees (>35 cm dbh), 10 m x 10 m for poles (10-35 cm dbh), 5 m x 5 m for saplings (<10 cm dbh), and 2 m x 2 m for seedlings (h<1.5m) in zone I  and zone II (<1000 and >1000 asl). We recorded195 species of woody plants from 60 families. The diameter class showed the inverse J-shape indicating that the forest succession is taking place. The diversity index (?) inboth zones was slightly different indicating the abundant distinction in the growth categories between the zones. The tree, pole, sapling, and seedling were dominated by species indicating lowland forest in zone I, e.g., Moraceae and Euphorbiaceae, and sub-montane in zone II, e.g., Lauraceae and Fagaceae. While the rest of the dominant species were native to the forest, the dominance of Calliandra calothyrsus as an introduced species as part of the administrator’s rehabilitation effort may show that human disturbance was high in this forest. Nevertheless, we concluded that this forest is valuable in terms of tree and wildlife diversity. Further biodiversity conservation effort needs to be carefully addressed despite its size and category as a remnant forest.