Contribution of tree species to the biodiversity of a 1ha Old World rainforest in Brunei, Borneo

• Published in: Biodiversity and conservation Vol. 13; no. 11; pp. 2067 - 2088
• Main Authors: Small, Andrew, Martin, Tara G., Kitching, Roger L., Wong, Khoon Meng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Nature B.V 01.10.2004
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Conservation biology; Flora; Plant species; Rainforests; Trees
• ISSN: 0960-3115; 1572-9710
• DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOC.0000040001.72686.e8

Tree biodiversity data is presented for a 1-ha permanent study plot on a low slope position of the Kuala Belalong valley in Temburong District, Brunei, Borneo. This is the first study in the region to document the tree flora of a low slope. All trees ≥5cm at 1.3m were mapped, measurements of dbh and height taken, and identified to species and morpho-species level. The total and relative values of each family for density, diversity, dominance and Importance Value Indices were calculated. A total of 1062 stems were recorded on the plot (1019 live, 43 dead) with a total of 278 species representing 110 genera in 49 families. The most ecologically significant family as determined by the Family Importance Value (FIV) was Euphorbiaceae with a value of 40 and'the'most significant species, using the Importance Value (IV), was morpho-speciesFordia splendissima with an IV of 29. The total basal area of all living trees was 31.43m^sup 2^. Forest structure was marked by a few tall (>45m) emergents, for example,Koompassia excelsa, Crypteronia griffithii and two species of the Dipterocarpaceae family, however, lower understorey and sub-canopy species dominated the plot with the average height of all individuals over the hectare being 11m.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]