Rattan (Calamoideae) abundance and above-ground biomass at a primary rainforest of Peninsular Malaysia. (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ruppert, Nadine; Mansor, Asyraf; Anuar Mohd Sah, Shahrul
• Is Part Of: Plant ecology & diversity. Volume 9:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Arecaceae -- Calamoideae -- Calamus -- Ceratolobus -- Daemonorops -- Korthalsia -- palms; Plant ecology -- Periodicals; Plant diversity -- Periodicals; Plant ecology -- Scotland -- Periodicals; Plant diversity -- Scotland -- Periodicals; 581.705
• DOI: 10.1080/17550874.2015.1081650
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-0874

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Rattans are widespread throughout paleo-tropical forests; however, there is no information on their contribution to above-ground biomass (AGB). Aims: This study established biomass baseline values for 11 different rattan species in a Malaysian primary forest, and calculated the overall rattan AGB contribution and dynamics during two years. Methods: All rattan stems in five 100 m × 100 m study plots were counted in 2011 and 2013. Biometric non-invasive measurements were carried out on 11 climbing and non-climbing species and total rattan biomass for both years calculated was compared. Results: Rattans contributed with 3.1 Mg ha −1 to the forest AGB. There was no significant change in rattan biomass between the years. Conclusions: These preliminary results are the first published on the AGB contribution of rattans to Malaysian primary forests. Further studies are required to ascertain values across forest types and over time to reliably estimate the contribution of rattan species to ABG and carbon sequestration.