Diversity and biomass of mangrove forest within Baluran National Park, Indonesia

Mangrove forests in Java Island have been systematically exploited, mainly for aquaculture development. However, in some remote areas and national parks, mangrove forests are still well preserved. This study aimed to assess the community structure and species diversity of the primary mangrove forest of Bama Resort, Baluran National Park, Indonesia. Twenty-one plots with a size of 10x10 m were established to identify and measure the trees' diameter at breast height (DBH). ShannonWiener's Index and common allometric equations were applied to determine the diversity index and the mangrove biomass, respectively. Results showed that there were eight species of true mangroves, with a diversity index of 1.31; some species were only represented by less than three individuals. Rhizophora stylosa and Ceriops tagal had the highest IVI values (124.6% and 66%, respectively). The overall means of biomass and C-stocks of the mangrove stands in the whole research area were 533.1±566.7 MgB ha-1 and 239.8±256.9 MgC ha-1, respectively. Stored carbon was equivalent to CO2 sequestration of 880±942.8 Mg ha-1 CO2. These findings suggest that some mangrove species of Bama Resort may still be under threat from habitat loss. The primary mangrove forest of Bama Resort has the capacity to sequester a substantial amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide; therefore, this important ecosystem requires protection and conservation.