Gap formation viable seeds and species diversity in lowland Dipterocarp and montane rain forests of Peninsular Malaysia

Noraini M.T., . Gap formation viable seeds and species diversity in lowland Dipterocarp and montane rain forests of Peninsular Malaysia. pp. 57-71. ISSN 0126-8643

This study was carried out in lowland rain forest in the Bangi Forest Reserve Selangor and in lower and upper montane forests on Gunung Ulu Kali Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia. The objective was to determine gap sizes morphology and causes of gap formation. An assessment of the soil seed bank and species diversity in these gaps were also made. In the Bangi Forest Reserve the canopy gaps were larger (about 93 m2) than those in lower montane forests (about 64 m2) or upper montane forests (about 45 m2). The main causes of gap formation were the death of large canopy trees due to old age termite attack or after being struck by lightning. However in montane forests termite attack was not observed as a cause of gap formation. The soil under lowland forest canopy and gaps support a high number of viable seeds compared to soils under montane forests canopy and gaps. There is a greater diversity of species in lowland forest gaps than in montane forst gaps reflecting the generally greater overall species diversity in lowland forests. The most abundant species in lowland forest gaps is Alyxia sp. and Santiria sp. Melastoma malabathricum var. montana is the most abundant species in lower montane forest gaps while in upper montane forest gaps Sonerila hirsuta is the most abundant species. In general most of the species growing in the forest gaps are photophytic.

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Abstract

This study was carried out in lowland rain forest in the Bangi Forest Reserve Selangor and in lower and upper montane forests on Gunung Ulu Kali Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia. The objective was to determine gap sizes morphology and causes of gap formation. An assessment of the soil seed bank and species diversity in these gaps were also made. In the Bangi Forest Reserve the canopy gaps were larger (about 93 m2) than those in lower montane forests (about 64 m2) or upper montane forests (about 45 m2). The main causes of gap formation were the death of large canopy trees due to old age termite attack or after being struck by lightning. However in montane forests termite attack was not observed as a cause of gap formation. The soil under lowland forest canopy and gaps support a high number of viable seeds compared to soils under montane forests canopy and gaps. There is a greater diversity of species in lowland forest gaps than in montane forst gaps reflecting the generally greater overall species diversity in lowland forests. The most abundant species in lowland forest gaps is Alyxia sp. and Santiria sp. Melastoma malabathricum var. montana is the most abundant species in lower montane forest gaps while in upper montane forest gaps Sonerila hirsuta is the most abundant species. In general most of the species growing in the forest gaps are photophytic.

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Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	5 tables; 41 ref. Summary (En Ms)
AGROVOC Term:	MALASIA PENINSULAR
AGROVOC Term:	BOSQUE TROPICAL HUMEDO
AGROVOC Term:	DANOS
AGROVOC Term:	CUBIERTA DE COPAS/ MELASTOMATACEAE
AGROVOC Term:	ESPECIES
AGROVOC Term:	SEMILLAS
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:55
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/19978

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