Ecology of Scaphium macropodum in the production forest area of Sarolangun, Jambi

¹ Natural Resources and Environmental Management Science, Graduate School, IPB University, Bogor 16129, Indonesia
² Forestry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University, Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Indonesia
³ Forest Management Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universitas Satya Terra Bhinneka, Medan, 20128, Indonesia
⁴ College of Management, Department of Business Administration, Chaoyang University of Taiwan, 413310 Taichung, Taiwan
⁵ Ecology and Ethnobiology Research Center, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia.
⁶ Forestry Department, Kupang State Agricultural Polytechnic, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
⁷ Informatics Study Program, Faculty of Tecnology and Computer Science, Universitas Satya Terra Bhinneka, Medan, 20128, Indonesia
⁸ Tropical Biodiversity Conservation Study Program, Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: marpaungsutan@apps.ipb.ac.id

Abstract

The Pengulu Tribe in Limun District, Sarolangun Regency, Jambi, has long utilized Scaphium macropodum, locally known as "merpayang" or “mempayang,” in traditional medicine. This species, belonging to the Sterculiaceae family, has a broader distribution than its seven subspecies. This study aimed to assess the population and ecological characteristics of S. macropodum within Sarolangun's production forest, providing baseline data for its sustainable use by indigenous communities. Specifically, this study estimated the population size and analyzed the key ecological factors influencing habitat suitability. Conducted from December 2023 to January 2024, the study employed observational methods, interviews, and literature review, with data analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. Ecological parameters were examined using the Importance Value Index (IVI), diversity and evenness indices, community similarity analysis (Ward’s method), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results identified 47 tree species from 18 families within the habitat of S. macropodum. In APL NM and HA DM, Shorea parviflora dominated, while Shorea multiflora and Canarium sp. were prevalent in HL DT and APL DM. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices indicated moderate diversity and evenness across sites, with the highest similarity (90.81%) observed between APL NM and HA DM, while APL DM had the lowest diversity. These findings provide crucial insights into S. macropodum conservation, emphasizing the need for habitat preservation and sustainable utilization to support indigenous practices while mitigating environmental pressures.