Analysis of species composition and vegetation conditions of the mangrove ecosystem on Lepar Island

Abstract

Abstract Mangrove forests are an important natural resource in providing ecosystem and ecological services as a nature-based solution for coastal protection, including on Lepar Island. This research aims to analyze the composition of mangrove species and the mangrove health index on Lepar Island. The field data collection method uses a systematic sampling method. Analysis of mangrove community structure uses the Shannon-Weiner index, while analysis of mangrove density and canopy cover uses the hemispherical photography method. The research results show 11 species from 5 mangrove families are found on Lepar Island. The Importance Value Index at the four stations varied sequentially, namely Sonneratia alba (158.84%), Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (202.88%), Ceriops tagal (110.42%), and Rhizophora apiculata (300%). Density is generally in the sparse category, and canopy cover is in the good category. The mangrove health index at station 1 (51.83%) is in the medium category, while other stations show the MHI value of <33.33% or in the poor category. Mangroves have some benefits for humans and the surrounding ecosystem, such as preventing ecosystem degradation and climate change. Therefore, mangroves need to be preserved and monitored.