Trees and lianas diversity in some primary and secondary forests in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

The richness and diversity of woody plants are important indices for maintaining and conserving tropical forests. This study evaluated the alpha diversity and richness indices of some ecologically important primary and old secondary forests in Penang, Malaysia. Plots of 2000 m2 size, which were further divided into five subplots of 20 x 20 m2 size, were established in each of the five forest reserves across Penang. A total of 1,161 individual trees and lianas belonging to 54 different families and 284 species were enumerated in all studied forests. Euphorbiaceae, Clusiaceae, and Dipterocarpaceae are the most prominent families with the highest number of species. Vatica bella is the most abundant plant with 127 individuals. Meanwhile, Knema curtisii, Gluta elegans, Mangifera gracilipes, and Callerya atropurpurea are more common to all forests. All forests could be described as highly rich in woody plant species and diverse due to the estimated high diversity indices. There is virtually no difference in the diversity indices between primary and old secondary forests, probably due to the recuperating nature of the old secondary forests after years of abandonment.