Diversity of riparian vegetation to support the life of ihan (Tor spp. and Neolissochilus spp.) in Bonandolok River, North Sumatra

Abstract

The variety of riparian vegetation to support the life of ihan (Tor sp.) in the Bonandolok River in North Sumatra was studied. Ihan is an endemic species in Bonandolok that has been considered in the red list of species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Since ihan is almost extinct in its natural habitat, a research that relate to their habitat became crucial. Riparian vegetation plays an essential role in keeping ecosystem balance. Degradation of the riparian area not only triggers sedimentation but also change the microhabitat. It is thus vital to know the relation between the riparian vegetation and ihan. This research was conducted in April 2019 through the survey method at four stations (St. 1 the upstream, St. 2 upstream-middle part, St. 3 middle-downstream part, and St. 4 the downstream). The survey recorded a total of 51 plant species within 31 families. Tithonia diversifolia A. Grey was found as the most abundant species during the study (136 individuals). Station 2 was the station with the most species (23 species), and station with the most abundance of riparian vegetations was station 3 (262 individuals). The result of this study calls for the critical consideration supporting the efficiently riparian vegetation conservation as a habitat and food source of ihan in Bonandolok River.