Species Diversity and Ecological Characteristics of Secondary Forests in North Luwu, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
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secondary forest, succession, Wallacea, diversity, pioneer species
Abstract
Sulawesi, as part of the Wallacea biogeographical region, has high biodiversity and endemism due to geological processes and unique local environmental conditions. Secondary forests in North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, developed after forest exploitation, especially since the 1970s, and are dominated by pioneer species such as Melastoma malabathricum and Colona scabra. This study aims to identify species diversity and ecological characteristics of secondary forest vegetation in Tamboke Village, using a multi-level plot measurement method (seedlings, stakes, poles, trees) and analyzing diversity indices, evenness, species richness, species association, and ecological characteristics, including soil and the composition of climax and pioneer species. The results show a plant community structure that reflects the early succession phase, with a dominance of trees with a trunk diameter of < 30 cm and moderate species diversity (Shannon-Wiener index 1–3). The evenness and species richness indices reinforce the community profile with a dominant presence of pioneer species and indications of biodiversity degradation. Species association analysis revealed diverse interactions between species with varying association strengths. Vegetation patterns are associated with Ultisol soils, which are predominantly acidic in pH, sandy, and have moderate organic matter content, influencing species composition, regeneration processes, and successional dynamics. This study provides an important ecological basis for sustainable forest management and restoration strategies in secondary forest areas to support biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
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