Abstract
Tree biodiversity data is presented for a 1-ha permanent study plot on a low slope position of the Kuala Belalong valley in Temburong District, Brunei, Borneo. This is the first study in the region to document the tree flora of a low slope. All trees ≥5 cm at 1.3 m were mapped, measurements of dbh and height taken, and identified to species and morpho-species level. The total and relative values of each family for density, diversity, dominance and Importance Value Indices were calculated. A total of 1062 stems were recorded on the plot (1019 live, 43 dead) with a total of 278 species representing 110 genera in 49 families. The most ecologically significant family as determined by the Family Importance Value (FIV) was Euphorbiaceae with a value of 40 and'the'most significant species, using the Importance Value (IV), was morpho-speciesFordia splendissima with an IV of 29. The total basal area of all living trees was 31.43 m2. Forest structure was marked by a few tall (>45 m) emergents, for example,Koompassia excelsa, Crypteronia griffithii and two species of the Dipterocarpaceae family, however, lower understorey and sub-canopy species dominated the plot with the average height of all individuals over the hectare being 11 m.
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Small, A., Martin, T.G., Kitching, R.L. et al. Contribution of tree species to the biodiversity of a 1ha Old World rainforest in Brunei, Borneo. Biodiversity and Conservation 13, 2067–2088 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:BIOC.0000040001.72686.e8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:BIOC.0000040001.72686.e8