Vegetation structure and composition in Ciletuh Geopark, Sukabumi, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Wulandari I, Hendrawan R, Husodo T, Megantara EN. 2018. Vegetation structure and composition in Ciletuh Geopark, Sukabumi, Indonesia. Asian J For 2: 54-61. Ciletuh Geopark has unique geological and biological features which might provide benefits both to the environment and society. The sustainable management of the geopark requires information on biodiversity elements including the vegetation occurring around Ciletuh Geopark. This research was conducted to determine vegetation communities and plants diversity of the Ciletuh Geopark. The method used was a qualitative method through inventory of plant species and observation of the vegetation profile diagram, which represents a vertical structure of the vegetation community. In general, Ciletuh Geopark had four types of communities, namely natural forests, gardens, agroforest (talun/kebon tatangkalan), and beach and mangrove vegetation. In total, there were 179 plant species recorded from understorey to trees including plant species protected by the Indonesian government, namely Rafflesia patma. In the geopark, there had been changes in vegetation which is now dominated by crop plant species. This study highlights the importance of conserving the remaining natural vegetation in Ciletuh Geopark to enhance the biological values of the geopark.