Tree Diversity and Community Composition of the Tutong White Sands, Brunei Darussalam: A Rare Tropical Heath Forest Ecosystem
Joint Authors
Din, Hazimah
Metali, Faizah
Sukri, Rahayu Sukmaria
Source
International Journal of Ecology
Issue
Vol. 2015, Issue 2015 (31 Dec. 2015), pp.1-10, 10 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2015-10-27
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
10
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Bornean heath (Kerangas) forests are a unique and increasingly rare tropical forest ecosystem that remains little studied.
We quantified tree floristic diversity in Kerangas forests in the Tutong White Sands, Brunei Darussalam, and investigated the influence of soil and environmental variables on community composition.
Six 20 m × 20 m plots were established, where all trees of ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were identified and measured to determine stem diameter and basal area.
We determined pH, gravimetric water content, and concentrations of total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in topsoil, as well as litter depth and percentage canopy openness.
A total of 296 trees were recorded, representing 78 species in 59 genera and 38 families.
Stem diameter, basal area, species richness, and species diversity differed significantly among the six plots.
The NMDS ordination revealed that differences in tree community compositions were significantly associated with total N concentrations and percentage canopy openness.
Despite the small sampling area, we recorded several Bornean endemic tree species (16/78 tree species; 20.5%), including several IUCN Red List endangered and vulnerable species.
Our results illustrate the potentially high conservation value of the Kerangas forests in the Tutong White Sands and highlight the urgent need to protect and conserve this area.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Din, Hazimah& Metali, Faizah& Sukri, Rahayu Sukmaria. 2015. Tree Diversity and Community Composition of the Tutong White Sands, Brunei Darussalam: A Rare Tropical Heath Forest Ecosystem. International Journal of Ecology،Vol. 2015, no. 2015, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1065948
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Din, Hazimah…[et al.]. Tree Diversity and Community Composition of the Tutong White Sands, Brunei Darussalam: A Rare Tropical Heath Forest Ecosystem. International Journal of Ecology No. 2015 (2015), pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1065948
American Medical Association (AMA)
Din, Hazimah& Metali, Faizah& Sukri, Rahayu Sukmaria. Tree Diversity and Community Composition of the Tutong White Sands, Brunei Darussalam: A Rare Tropical Heath Forest Ecosystem. International Journal of Ecology. 2015. Vol. 2015, no. 2015, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1065948
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1065948