Species Diversity and Characteristic of Mangrove Forest at Bang Pakong Power Plant, Chachoengsao Province

Abstract

Riverine forests are unique ecosystems that distribute among urban areas induced the forest patches. Then, the conservation of mangrove ecosystems requires the sufficient data and information about the characteristics of mangrove plants. This research aimed to clarify the species composition and structure of mangrove communities at Plant Genetic Protection Area of RSPG - Bangpakong powerplant. The four sample plots (A, B, C, D) of 10 x 50 m were set up across the coast of Bang Nang canal directed into the remnant of mangrove forest. The results showed that true mangroves species was found, 15 species 13 genera 10 families and the others were 3 species 3 genera 2 families. The total density and basal area were 790 individual.ha-1 and 7.15 m2.ha-1, respectively. Based on importance value index, Xylocarpus granatum J. Koenig, Excoecaria agallocha L. Thespesia populniodes (Roxb.) Kostel. were dominance species in site A, B-C and D respectively. The similarity index between the plots was intermediate value, 66.67 %. The low diversity indicated that. The diversity index (H/) of each plot was very low (ranged from 0.95 - 1.15), thus, the forest restoration should been done for increasing high species diversity. In order to increase the natural establishment of seedlings and saplings, mangrove forest area protection is urgently needed.