Autecology of Melastoma malabathricum, an invasive species in the Way Kambas National Park, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Master J, Qayim I, Setiadi D, Santoso N. 2020. Autecology of Melastoma malabathricum, an invasive species in the Way Kambas National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2303-2310. Melastoma malabathricum has become one of the invasive plants in the Way Kambas National Park (WKNP), Lampung, Indonesia. This plant is feared to be a problem in efforts to conserve biodiversity in the WKNP area. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the factors causing the invasion of these plants. The vegetation analysis plot was placed on three types of habitats in the study location, namely, forests, swamps, and invaded swamps, then measurements and records of vegetation data and abiotic factors were recorded in each plot. The results reveal that M. malabathricum dominates swamp habitat and negatively associated with trees, which can provide canopy. Abiotic factors, such as canopy cover, water level, and soil fertility, become supporting factors for the invasion. In addition, climate change, which is causing drought also contributes to the invasion of M. malabathricum at the WKNP.

Diversity, risk and management feasibility of invasive alien plants in the border zone of Sicike-cike Nature Tourism Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia

“…In Malaysia, M. malabathricum grows along highways. Since its fruit is favored by birds, M. malabathricum can quickly colonize open lands (Master et al 2020).…”

The Increase of Sumatran Tiger’s Prey Following Eradication of <i>Melastoma malabatrichum</i> in Way Kambas National Park, Indonesia

“…This study was carried out in the rainy season (January to April 2019) and the dry season (May to September 2019). Rainfall conditions also affect the condition of the Kali Biru swamp where the swamp is inundated during the rainy season and is dried in the dry season (Master et al 2020).…”

“…One of the threats that recently happening is Melastoma malabatrichum invasion. This problem causes the loss of feeding grounds for sumatran tiger preys, such as sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), and java mouse-deer (Tragulus javanicus) (Master et al 2020). One of the locations that invaded quite badly is the Kali Biru swamp.…”

“…Kali Biru swamp in WKNP is a swamp formed by a tidal run-off of a river that runs in the middle. This location is important for animals in WKNP, especially the ungulates because the availability of grass is always green in this location (Master et al 2020). The gathering of various animals in this location attracts sumatran tiger as predator and an important location for prey hunting.…”

“…Tigers are very dependent on the abundant of prey animals (Thapa & Kelly 2016). With the invasion of M. malabatrichum which covers the location, the grass as ungulate's food cannot grow, this cause ungulate population decline (Master et al 2020). This certainly has an impact on sumatran tiger which utilizes the location as a hunting area.…”