Mangrove Species Diversity in South Wara and Bara Sub-districts of Palopo City

Abstract

Research on mangrove species diversity in Wara Selatan and bara sub-districts of Palopo City was conducted in April-November 2023. This study aims to determine the composition and diversity of mangrove species in Palopo City. The research used the plot method (combination of plots and transects) and the cruising method (exploration) in 2 sub-districts and 3 stations each. Transects were drawn perpendicular to the coastline, starting from the outermost vegetation (near the sea) to the final limit of the littoral area (land). The results of the identification of mangrove species obtained mangrove species composition of 4 species. Mangrove zonation varies greatly depending on the environmental conditions at each station. The front zone (near the sea is overgrown by mangroves Rhizophora sp. While the back zone (near the mainland) is overgrown by minor mangroves and mangrove associations. Analysis of ecological parameters includes density, diversity, uniformity, and dominance of mangrove species. The results of data analysis showed that the value of the species diversity index ranged from 1.00 to 2.05 (moderate species diversity); the species uniformity index ranged from 0.42 to 0.60 (moderate population uniformity); the highest dominance index in the Wara sub-district at station III was 0.82 (there is a dominating species) while in Bara sub-district the dominance index ranged from 0.36 to 0.50 (no dominating species).