Tentative
final report
Study
of maintenance mechanism of biodiversity
in
tropical rainforests of Berau
No. of Izin Penelitian LIPI: 4044/SU/KS/2003
Izin Inhutani I No. 747/IVC/10/Inh/2003
Edited
by Eiji Suzuki
Professor of plant ecology
Faculty
of Science,
Kagoshima
University.
August, 2003
Summary
From 31 July to 19 August, 2003, we made the following ecological studies
in Berau Forest near 37 km camp (1 52’N, 117 11’E) of concession
area of PT. Hutansanggam Labanan Lestari, Kabupaten Berau, East Kalimantan.
1)
The remeasurement of two permanent plots (Be-1 and Be-2) of 1-ha on alluvial
soil was done. In both plots number
of trees and basal area increased a little.
2)
Two permanent plots (Be-3 and Be-4) of 1-ha were made on hill about 80 in
altitude. We found about 220-230
species in the plots whereas Be-1 and Be-2 on alluvial forest have ca. 150
species. Dipterocarpaceae was the
most dominant family and had ca. 20 species.
The emergent trees reached 60m in height, and tree densities
(DBH>4.8cm) are 1400 to 1500/ha.
3)
Pterospermum diversifolium and P.
javanicum in Sterculiaceae had difference in the preference of topography
and light condition. They coexist in 1-ha plot by reducing a direct competition
using habitat (regeneration) niche differentiation which is related to light
conditions.
4)
A method using fish eye lens and digital camera to measure forest light
environment was introduced.
5)
The strength of climbing organs (flagellum and cirus) of rattan species was
related the maximum height that the species can reach.
6)
The distribution of five species of Meliaceae in 1-ha plots was analyzed for
individuals taller than 20 cm. The sapling growth for one year was measured.