Diversity, distribution, and conservation status of wild edible fruit species in Sumatra, Indonesia: A case study in western and eastern Bukit Barisan Mountains

Abstract

Abstract Bukit Barisan Mountains in Sumatra, Indonesia is home to a diverse range of plant species. However, this area has been subjected to intense human pressure resulting in various biological resources such as wild edible fruit species (WEFs) being under threat. The study aimed to 1) investigate the diversity of WEFs in the Bukit Barisan Mountains, Sumatra; 2) evaluate the suitable habitat and potential geographic distribution of WEFs in the Bukit Barisan Mountains, Sumatra; and 3) determine the conservation status of WEFs in Sumatra. This study was conducted in four provinces of Sumatra, Indonesia, including Sumatera Barat, Jambi, Riau, and Bengkulu, which are divided into two zones: the western of Bukit Barisan Mountains and the eastern of Bukit Barisan Mountains. At each study area, a line transect of 1,000 meters was laid from the forest's edge into the forest. WEFs discovered along the transect were collected and given local names. A total of 326 WEFs belonged to 74 botanical families and 170 genera were recorded. Of the 326 species, 125 species are found in the western of the Bukit Barisan Mountains and 228 species in the eastern Bukit Barisan Mountains. Our study highlights nearly half of the WEFs found in the Bukit Barisan Mountains are listed as threatened on the IUCN red list.