The impact of invasive alien species Spathodea campanulata on native species in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

Autorzy

• Duryat University of Lampung, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, Prof. Soemantri Brojonegoro 1, Gedong Meneng, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia
  e-mail: duryat.1978@fp.unila.ac.id
• Rafli Indra Ghozali University of Lampung, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, Prof. Soemantri Brojonegoro 1, Gedong Meneng, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia
• Subki Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Ir. H. Juanda 19, Terbaya, Kota Agung, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung 35384, Indonesia
• Tri Maryono University of Lampung, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, Prof. Soemantri Brojonegoro 1, Gedong Meneng, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia
• Rodiani University of Lampung, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetric and Genecology, Prof. Soemantri Brojonegoro 1, Gedong Meneng, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia

Abstract

Spathodea campanulata is a highly adaptable invasive alien species (IAS) capable of rapidly dominating ecosystems, posing a significant threat to Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) biodiversity. This study aimed to assess the impact of S. campanulata invasion on the structure and composition of vegetation, the regeneration sustainability of native species, and plant diversity and evenness within BBSNP. The research was conducted in Pemerihan Resort, an area significantly affected by the S. campanulata invasion. A Systematic Sampling with Random Start was employed, and stratified plots of varying sizes were established based on plant growth phases to assess vegetation. Vegetation structure and composition were evaluated using the Importance Value Index (IVI); at the same time, species diversity was analyzed through the Shannon–Wiener Index and evenness was evaluated through the Evenness Index. The results revealed that S. campanulata exhibited extreme dominance in the tree phase with an IVI of 196.99%, leading to significant disruption in native species regeneration. Most native species showed regeneration failure due to competition, except Vitex pubescens, which exhibited resilience against invasion pressure. In addition, the study indicated a declining trend in species diversity with increasing growth phases, highlighting the long-term ecological implications of S. campanulata dominance. Despite the reduction in species diversity, the Evenness Index remained relatively high, suggesting a uniform distribution of surviving species. These findings underscore the urgency of developing strategic eradication and ecological management programs to mitigate the spread of S. campanulata and restore native ecosystem balance in BBSNP.

Keywords

• Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park
• invasive alien species
• native species regeneration
• Spathodea campanulata
• vegetation composition
• species diversity