Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

THE THREAT OF MANGROVE POPULATION TYPES XYLOCARPUS MOLUCCENSIS AT NORTH MALUKU, INDONESIA

Abdulrasyid Tolangara, La Eddy and Rusman Rasyid

Abstract

The mangrove ecosystem is a combination of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. These ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities. This research aims to determine the cause of the threat of mangrove types Xylocarpus moluccensis in several areas in North Maluku province. The research method using observation plots are laid out continuously, with a size of 20x20 m to the observation level of the tree; mangroves then determine its type and measurement of vegetation parameters include: density, dominance and frequency and determining the Importance Value Index (IVI). The results showed that IVI of mangrove species in the entire region in North Maluku is relatively low, the low IVI describes mangrove species population has suffered enormous damage. Damage due to the activity of the community who tapped mangrove wood for living being offset by replanting. Utilization of mangrove type X. moluccensis excessively to the manufacture of wooden roots and the fishing boats. Related utilization, people prefer this type for the manufacture of the inner walls of the boat and the boat floor. This condition causes the mangrove suffered population declines even the treath. Besides the type X. moluccensis is also experiencing germination and growth is relatively slow and difficult to be planted on a large scale. Diminishing natural regeneration due to degradation of the trees parent (mother trees), because people always cut down large trees with stems.