Understanding tree diversity in ultrabasic forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia for restoration and conservation planning

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Published: 2026-02-28
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjfor/r100102
Keywords:
Biodiversity, endemism, forest density, Sulawesi, ultrabasic forest
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NASRI ♥
The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University. 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8566 Japan
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9857-9588 (unauthenticated)
MUNAJAT NURSAPUTRA
Biodiversity Research Group (BRG), Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Hasanuddin. Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 10, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
ANDI SIADY HAMZAH
Department of Forest Conservation, Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Hasanuddin. Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 10, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
SITI HALIMAH LAREKENG
Biodiversity Research Group (BRG), Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Hasanuddin. Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 10, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
ABDUR RAHMAN ARIF
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Hasanuddin. Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 10, Tamalanrea, Makassar 90245, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
ANDRI ARDIANSYAH
PT Vale Indonesia. Sequis Tower, 20th Floor Unit 6 and 7, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 71, South Jakarta 12190, Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Nasri, Nursaputra M, Hamzah AS, Larekeng SH, Arif AR, Ardiansyah A. 2026. Understanding tree diversity in ultrabasic forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia for restoration and conservation planning. Asian J For 10: r100102. https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjfor/r100102. Ultrabasic (or ultramafic) forests in Sulawesi, Indonesia, support high endemism but remain understudied, especially in disturbed and reclaimed areas. This study assessed tree diversity and composition across five forest cover types: High-Density Forest (HDF), Moderate-Density Forest (MDF), Low-Density Forest (LDF), Reclaimed Forest (RF), and Shrub (S), within an ultrabasic mining landscape in East Luwu. A total of 143 adult-tree species were recorded, including 17 endemic species to Sulawesi and 6 endangered species. HDF exhibited the highest species richness (30 species/cluster) and basal area (17.79 m²/ha), while RF and S had the lowest. Diversity was significantly different among forest types (p<0.05), with HDF and MDF also showing the highest community similarity (Morisita Similarity Index=0.60). In contrast, RF and S showed distinct species compositions, dominated by pioneer or generalist species. The presence of threatened endemic species, such as Diospyros celebica, Hopea celebica, and Vatica flavovirens, was mostly confined to undisturbed forests. Cluster analysis based on plant families revealed a close taxonomic relationship between MDF and LDF. These findings underscore the importance of intact ultrabasic forests as biodiversity reservoirs for endemic and threatened species. While reclaimed areas support vegetation recovery, they require enhanced efforts to increase native species richness, functional diversity, and taxonomic representation. Protecting high-diversity forests is essential to sustain source populations for conservation and support more ecologically meaningful restoration outcomes.

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Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026)

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Understanding tree diversity in ultrabasic forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia for restoration and conservation planning. (2026). Asian Journal of Forestry, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjfor/r100102

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