Studi Ekologi Resak (Vatica venulosa subsp. simalurensis) Pohon Terancam Punah di Pulau Mursala

Abstract

Vatica venulosa belonging to the Dipterocarpaceae family is known for its high-quality wood for construction. Overharvesting has caused population decline and habitat destruction, increasing the risk of extinction of this species. Due to these threats, the IUCN Redlist classifies it as a critically endangered species. This study found the presence of the threatened plant endemic to Western Sumatra V. venulosa subsp. simalurensis on Mursala Island and its fresh morphology has been successfully documented for the first time. The population structure included 108 individuals (namely 59 seedlings, 46 saplings, 1 pole, and 2 trees) with a dispersed distribution pattern, elevations between 33 and 309 m asl and distances from the coast between 366 and 3136 m. Vegetation analysis identified the dominance of Dipterocarpaceae among 115 species. The diversity index was high (3.76), while the evenness index was low (0.15). Species with the highest INP included Shorea acuminata (37.42%), Hopea bancana (23.07%), and V. venulosa subsp. simalurensis (20.74%). The inverted J-shape structure of stands indicated good regeneration at the research location. Most species, including V. venulosa subsp. simalurensis, had moderate wood density with the estimated capacity of biomass storage around 79.87 tons/ha.