o_19ko2dt161ng2j4e1tgnoqv1s45a.pdf

LEE et al (2007)
S. lumutensis to elucidate specific ecological and genetic requirements for the species’ existence.
The specific objectives were: (1) to generate information on the population status, habitat
association, spatial distribution, demographic structure, population dynamics, flowering and
fruiting biology, and germination and seedling behaviour of S. lumutensis; (2) to generate
information on the levels of genetic diversity, spatial genetic structure, population genetic
structure, inbreeding, mating system, gene flow, minimum population size and breeding unit
size for conservation; and (3) to integrate the outputs to recommend management prescriptions
and conservation priorities for the species and its habitats.
Population Survey
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Since S. lumutensis is reported to be restricted to the western part of Peninsular Malaysia, a
forest survey was conducted in seven forest reserves, i.e., Segari Melintang, Tanjung Hantu,
Lumut, Teluk Muroh, Pangkor Utara, Sungai Pinang, and Pangkor Selatan in the Manjung
District. For these reserves, the major threats to the existence of the species were identified.
Study Plot
For the purpose of ecological studies, an 8-ha study plot (200 400 m) across an elevation
gradient of 65-125 m, in Compartment 5, Sungai Pinang Forest Reserve, was demarcated for
the study. The plot was subdivided into 400 subplots, each of 10 20 m. Within the study plot,
all S. lumutensis individuals >1 cm dbh were mapped and their diameters recorded.
Topography and Spatial Distribution
Influence of topography on its spatial distribution was examined by their relative abundance in
four different elevation classes, i.e., valley ranging 65–80 m above sea level (asl), lower and
upper slopes ranging 81–95 m asl, 96–110 m asl respectively, and ridge ranging 111–125 m asl.
The subplots were assigned to their respective elevation classes, taking the elevation at the
center of the subplots as the mean.
Spatial Distribution Analysis
Diameter sizes were defined into four classes: large trees (BIG) >25.0 cm, pole trees (POL) 4.0-
25.0 cm, saplings (SAP) 2.0–2.5 cm, and seedlings (SEE) 1.0–1.1 cm. Five continuous distance
classes, each of 20 m, were considered, from 0–20 m to 80–100 m. The spatial distribution of
each stem diameter class was tested using the Ripley’s (1976) K-function. Confidence limits were
estimated using the bootstrap method; the location of individuals was randomized in 19 Monte
Carlo trials to determine a 95% confidence interval within each 20-m distance class.
Demographic Structure and Short-term Population Dynamics
The demographic structure of the species was examined by assigning individuals to one of five
size classes (dbh): 1–5 cm, 6–10 cm, 11–20 cm, 21–30 cm, and >31 cm, and fitted to inverse
J-shaped curve (y = ae -bx ), the shape distribution of natural tree populations with abundant
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