A case of non-metric multidimensional scaling of alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (ɣ) biological diversity across the diverse forest habitats

The ecological intricacies that govern biodiversity is an essential understanding for the effective conservation of natural ecosystems. The study examines the impact of different forest habitats i.e. forests, rivers, and tourist areas on biodiversity across trees, birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates. Field data were collected from 90 plots using various methods, such as quadrat sampling for trees, circular strip transects for aves, and live trapping for mammals and reptiles. Biodiversity indices (alpha, beta, gamma) were analyzed using the R programming environment, employing the vegan and iNEXT packages. Results revealed significant differences in species richness and composition among habitats. Forests exhibited high alpha diversity indices, with values of 86 for trees, 104 for aves, and 46 for mammals. River-associated forests showed increased species richness and evenness, with notable beta diversity, especially for invertebrates. Conversely, tourist areas displayed reduced species richness and slightly lower alpha diversity indices for trees and invertebrates. The Shannon diversity index was highest for trees (3.60) and lowest for invertebrates (1.00), highlighting the negative impact of human activities in tourist areas. Games-Howell tests and NMDS confirmed significant variation in species distributions between habitats, with rarefaction curves indicating the highest richness in forests. The study also linked conservation efforts, such as reforestation and anti-poaching activities, to improvements in biodiversity. Recommendations include prioritizing the protection of high-biodiversity areas, habitat restoration, ongoing monitoring, public education, and strict enforcement of environmental policies. These strategies are essential for enhancing biodiversity conservation and maintaining ecological integrity. The findings provide critical insights into the relationship between habitat types and biodiversity, supporting effective conservation and management practices.