Schismatoglottis Calyptrata

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 6 views

The Composition and Diversity of Herbs in Several Secondary Forest Stands in the Leuser Ecosystem Area of Telagah Village, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra

Introduction

The Leuser Ecosystem, located in Telagah Village, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, is a vital area for biodiversity conservation. The ecosystem is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of herbs. This study aimed to investigate the composition and diversity of herbs in several secondary forest stands within the Leuser Ecosystem area. The research was conducted from February to May 2011, and the results provide valuable insights into the structure and dynamics of the ecosystem.

Methodology

The study area was selected using the purposive sampling method, with an area of 40 x 160 m divided into 32 subplots, each measuring 1 x 1 m. Four research locations were chosen to represent various levels of secondary forest, namely the 5th, 10th, 20th, and 30th secondary forests. The research locations were designated as Area I, Area II, Area III, and Area IV, respectively.

Results

The results of the study showed that there were 54 identified herbal species, incorporated in 31 families. Each location had a different dominance of species. In Area I, the dominant species was Axonopus sp., with an important value of 49.467%. In Area II, the dominant species was Selaginella biformis, with an important value of 68.934%. Meanwhile, in Area III, the dominant species was Leersia Hexandra, with an important value of 27.112%, and in Area IV, the dominant species was Schismatoglottis Calyptrata, with an important value of 42.472%.

The herbal diversity index in each area also varied, with a value of 2,162 for Area I, 2,008 for Area II, 2,840 for Area III, and 2,531 for Area IV. The herbal equality index showed values of 0.722, 0.695, 0.862, and 0.831 for each area I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The similarity index of herbs ranged from 1.018% to 28.866%, with the highest value of 28.866% found between Area II and IV.

Analysis of Diversity and the Importance of Herbs

The diversity of herbal species in the secondary forest area is an indicator of forest ecosystem health. The high diversity index value shows that the ecosystem has good conditions, functions well, and can provide various ecosystem services. In this context, the existence of various herbal species not only plays an important role in maintaining soil stability but also contributes to the nutritional cycle and becomes a habitat for various fauna.

The dominance of certain species, such as Selaginella Biformis in Area II, shows the existence of microclimate conditions that are suitable for the growth of these species, which can be caused by environmental factors such as humidity and lighting. Meanwhile, the variation of important values among other species illustrates the adaptation of species to different forest conditions.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate the close relationship between the diversity of herbal species and the condition of secondary forests. Further research is needed to understand the dynamics of herbal species in this region, especially in the context of environmental changes that may occur. This is very important for better preservation and management of Leuser ecosystems, which will support biodiversity and forest sustainability in the future.

Implications

By examining the composition and diversity of herbs, we not only understand the structure of the ecosystem but can also identify the potential for sustainable use of natural resources that can bring benefits to local communities and environmental conservation. The findings of this study can be used to inform conservation and management strategies for the Leuser Ecosystem, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vital ecosystem.

Recommendations

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

Further research: Conduct further research to understand the dynamics of herbal species in the Leuser Ecosystem, especially in the context of environmental changes that may occur.
Conservation and management: Develop conservation and management strategies for the Leuser Ecosystem, taking into account the diversity of herbal species and the condition of secondary forests.
Sustainable use of natural resources: Identify opportunities for sustainable use of natural resources in the Leuser Ecosystem, which can bring benefits to local communities and environmental conservation.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study area was limited to 32 subplots, which may not be representative of the entire Leuser Ecosystem.
Limited data collection: The study only collected data on herbal species and did not consider other factors that may influence ecosystem health, such as soil quality and water availability.
Short study period: The study was conducted over a short period of time, which may not capture the full range of seasonal changes that occur in the Leuser Ecosystem.

Future Directions

Future research should aim to address the limitations of this study by:

Increasing sample size: Conducting research in a larger area to increase the sample size and improve the representativeness of the study.
Collecting more data: Collecting data on other factors that may influence ecosystem health, such as soil quality and water availability.
Conducting longer-term studies: Conducting research over a longer period of time to capture the full range of seasonal changes that occur in the Leuser Ecosystem.

By addressing these limitations and conducting further research, we can gain a deeper understanding of the composition and diversity of herbs in the Leuser Ecosystem and inform conservation and management strategies that support biodiversity and forest sustainability in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Composition and Diversity of Herbs in the Leuser Ecosystem

Q: What is the Leuser Ecosystem?

A: The Leuser Ecosystem is a vital area for biodiversity conservation located in Telagah Village, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of herbs.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the composition and diversity of herbs in several secondary forest stands within the Leuser Ecosystem area. The research aims to understand the structure and dynamics of the ecosystem and inform conservation and management strategies.

Q: What are the main findings of this study?

A: The study found that there were 54 identified herbal species, incorporated in 31 families. Each location had a different dominance of species, and the herbal diversity index in each area varied. The study also found that the similarity index of herbs ranged from 1.018% to 28.866%, with the highest value of 28.866% found between Area II and IV.

Q: What is the significance of the diversity of herbal species in the Leuser Ecosystem?

A: The diversity of herbal species in the Leuser Ecosystem is an indicator of forest ecosystem health. The high diversity index value shows that the ecosystem has good conditions, functions well, and can provide various ecosystem services.

Q: What are the implications of this study for conservation and management of the Leuser Ecosystem?

A: The findings of this study can be used to inform conservation and management strategies for the Leuser Ecosystem, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vital ecosystem. The study highlights the importance of preserving and managing the diversity of herbal species in the Leuser Ecosystem.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, limited data collection, and a short study period. Future research should aim to address these limitations by increasing the sample size, collecting more data, and conducting longer-term studies.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

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

Further research: Conduct further research to understand the dynamics of herbal species in the Leuser Ecosystem, especially in the context of environmental changes that may occur.
Conservation and management: Develop conservation and management strategies for the Leuser Ecosystem, taking into account the diversity of herbal species and the condition of secondary forests.
Sustainable use of natural resources: Identify opportunities for sustainable use of natural resources in the Leuser Ecosystem, which can bring benefits to local communities and environmental conservation.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The findings of this study can be applied in various ways, including:

Conservation and management: The study's findings can inform conservation and management strategies for the Leuser Ecosystem, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vital ecosystem.
Sustainable use of natural resources: The study highlights the importance of preserving and managing the diversity of herbal species in the Leuser Ecosystem, which can bring benefits to local communities and environmental conservation.
Education and awareness: The study's findings can be used to educate and raise awareness about the importance of preserving and managing the Leuser Ecosystem and its diverse range of flora and fauna.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include:

Further research: Conducting further research to understand the dynamics of herbal species in the Leuser Ecosystem, especially in the context of environmental changes that may occur.
Conservation and management: Developing conservation and management strategies for the Leuser Ecosystem, taking into account the diversity of herbal species and the condition of secondary forests.
Sustainable use of natural resources: Identifying opportunities for sustainable use of natural resources in the Leuser Ecosystem, which can bring benefits to local communities and environmental conservation.