Good management and rehabilitation measures

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 140 views

Structure and Composition of Stands in the Area of Illegal Logging in the Gunung Leuser Resort Tangkahan National Park

Introduction

The current condition of natural forests in Indonesia is a pressing concern, with many forest areas experiencing logging and degradation. The structure and composition of stands in these areas are significantly different from those of primary forests that remain intact. This study aims to determine the structure and composition of stands in the area of illegal logging in the Gunung Leuser National Park, specifically at the Tangkahan Resort. Additionally, this study aims to create a profile of stand structure and the composition of trees from the illegal logging area.

Background

Indonesia is home to some of the most biodiverse forests in the world, with many of these forests facing threats from logging, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation. The Gunung Leuser National Park, located in the northern part of Sumatra, is one of the most critical conservation areas in Indonesia. The park is home to a vast array of plant and animal species, including the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan. However, the park has been plagued by illegal logging, which has resulted in significant degradation of the forest ecosystem.

Methodology

This study employed a vegetation analysis method, which involved making line transects and applying square plot formulations to obtain an important value index (IVI). To get an overview of stand stratification, sexi-fs software was used, which can visualize conditions in the field. The diversity of vegetation species was assessed using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. The results showed that there were 97 tree species with 908 individuals, with the dominance of Dipterocarpaceae stands.

Results

The standing profile in the illegal logging area is divided into three strata, namely Stratum A, B, and C. However, only two species have made it into Stratum A, namely Quercus Spiciata and Shorea Teysmanniana, which shows that the land is still in the process of recovery through succession stages. The highest species diversity index is found in adult trees with H' reaching 3,859, while the lowest index is in the growth rate of seeds with H' 3,277. This shows that the diversity index for species of seeds and trees is included in the high category.

Discussion

This study provides important insight into the condition of the forest that has experienced illegal logging and the recovery process. The area that used to experience pressure due to illegal activity now shows signs of recovery, although it is still in the early stages. The dominance of Dipterocarpaceae species is an indication that these species have high adaptability to disturbed soil conditions.

Succession is a natural process that involves changes in the vegetation community over time. In this context, it is essential to continue to monitor the development of illegal logging areas to understand how the forest ecosystem will develop. Good management and rehabilitation measures need to be applied to support the succession process, so that biodiversity in the area can increase and re-approach the condition of the primary forest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding the structure and composition of stands in the area of illegal logging in the Gunung Leuser National Park. The results of this study can be the basis for authorities and stakeholders to formulate better policies in forest management, especially in an effort to prevent illegal logging and preserve biodiversity. Ensuring the sustainability of forest ecosystems is a shared responsibility that requires the attention and concrete action of all parties. Thus, through this research, the hope of seeing Indonesian forests that are healthier and rich in species can still be realized.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Continued monitoring: It is essential to continue monitoring the development of illegal logging areas to understand how the forest ecosystem will develop.
Good management and rehabilitation measures: Good management and rehabilitation measures need to be applied to support the succession process, so that biodiversity in the area can increase and re-approach the condition of the primary forest.
Policy formulation: The results of this study can be the basis for authorities and stakeholders to formulate better policies in forest management, especially in an effort to prevent illegal logging and preserve biodiversity.
Community engagement: Community engagement and education are crucial in preventing illegal logging and promoting sustainable forest management practices.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited scope: This study only focuses on the Gunung Leuser National Park, which may not be representative of other forest ecosystems in Indonesia.
Methodological limitations: The vegetation analysis method used in this study may have limitations, such as the potential for bias in the selection of sampling sites.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Long-term monitoring: Long-term monitoring of the forest ecosystem is essential to understand the impact of illegal logging on biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Comparative studies: Comparative studies between different forest ecosystems in Indonesia can provide valuable insights into the impact of illegal logging on biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Policy evaluation: Evaluation of forest management policies in Indonesia can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of these policies in preventing illegal logging and preserving biodiversity.
Q&A: Structure and Composition of Stands in the Area of Illegal Logging in the Gunung Leuser Resort Tangkahan National Park

Q: What is the current condition of natural forests in Indonesia?

A: The current condition of natural forests in Indonesia is mostly in a state of load, with many forest areas experiencing logging and degradation.

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to determine the structure and composition of stands in the area of illegal logging in the Gunung Leuser National Park, specifically at the Tangkahan Resort.

Q: What method was used in this study?

A: This study employed a vegetation analysis method, which involved making line transects and applying square plot formulations to obtain an important value index (IVI).

Q: What were the results of this study?

A: The results showed that there were 97 tree species with 908 individuals, with the dominance of Dipterocarpaceae stands. The standing profile in the illegal logging area is divided into three strata, namely Stratum A, B, and C.

Q: What does the dominance of Dipterocarpaceae species indicate?

A: The dominance of Dipterocarpaceae species indicates that these species have high adaptability to disturbed soil conditions.

Q: What is the significance of succession in the context of this study?

A: Succession is a natural process that involves changes in the vegetation community over time. In this context, it is essential to continue to monitor the development of illegal logging areas to understand how the forest ecosystem will develop.

Q: What are the implications of this study for forest management policies?

A: The results of this study can be the basis for authorities and stakeholders to formulate better policies in forest management, especially in an effort to prevent illegal logging and preserve biodiversity.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, limited scope, and methodological limitations.

Q: What are the future research directions based on this study?

A: Future research directions include long-term monitoring of the forest ecosystem, comparative studies between different forest ecosystems in Indonesia, and policy evaluation.

Q: What is the significance of this study for the conservation of Indonesian forests?

A: This study highlights the importance of understanding the structure and composition of stands in the area of illegal logging in the Gunung Leuser National Park. The results of this study can be the basis for authorities and stakeholders to formulate better policies in forest management, especially in an effort to prevent illegal logging and preserve biodiversity.

Q: What are the recommendations based on this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Continued monitoring: It is essential to continue monitoring the development of illegal logging areas to understand how the forest ecosystem will develop.
Good management and rehabilitation measures: Good management and rehabilitation measures need to be applied to support the succession process, so that biodiversity in the area can increase and re-approach the condition of the primary forest.
Policy formulation: The results of this study can be the basis for authorities and stakeholders to formulate better policies in forest management, especially in an effort to prevent illegal logging and preserve biodiversity.
Community engagement: Community engagement and education are crucial in preventing illegal logging and promoting sustainable forest management practices.