Woody species structure and regeneration status in Keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.) habitat, Tangkahan Gunung Leuser National Park.

Gunung Leuser National Park (Gunung Leuser NP) is a conservation region in Indonesia with a relatively high diversity of flora and fauna. One of the potential species found in Gunung Leuser NP is Keruing. Keruing or Dipterocarpus spp. known as potential of wood and non wood producers with a high economical value and is often a target for exploitation. Habitat destruction and regeneration problems also threatened the species, including associated species with the keruing. The objective of this study were to determine woody species stand structure and regeneration status in Tangkahan forest, Gunung Leuser NP. This research was conducted by purposive sampling method which the plot located based on the presence of keruing. A total of 110 plots were employed for this purpose. Based on the results, the stands in Tangkahan forest formed an inverted J pattern, which is a common structure in natural forests. Individuals with a diameter of 10 cm dominated stands, whereas trees with a diameter lower that 60 cm were the least frequent. The dominance of individual trees in the medium to low diameter class indicates that the forest is still in the early stages of development The vertical structure of the trees at the research location shows that they are mostly from stratum C with 171 individuals, that indicated forest condition is in good condition. The status of woody species regeneration status in the research location is quite variable, with 23 species (34.84 %) in good status, four species (6.06%) in fair status, ten species (15.15%) with poor status, 21 species (31.81 %) in none status, and eight species (12.12%) in new regeneration status. The population structure and regeneration patterns show significant forest degradation due to anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, conservation efforts are still needed especially for high value species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]