Mangrove Community Structure and Species Diversity in three small islands of the Setiu Lagoon, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract An assessment on tree stand structure and mangrove plant diversity was conducted in Pulau Semut, Pulau Busung, and Pulau Tok Haji of Setiu Lagoon, Terengganu. Three 100 m×20 m plots were randomly set up at study sites. The trees were enumerated, identified and measured for their stem diameter in each plot. 18 species representing 11 families, including 13 exclusive and 5 non-exclusive mangrove species were recorded. Rhizophora apiculata from Rhizophoraceae dominated with the highest Important Value (IVI) of 89.49 (1491 individuals). This forest comprise mainly young trees with 80% of trees consist ≤10 cm DBH. Pulau Semut exhibited the highest species diversity and richness, compare to Pulau Busung and Pulau Tok Haji. Seven species had IVI values more than 10, indicating mixed mangrove forest characteristic. This study provides an important data for future sustainability management, protection and conservation of mangrove forest in east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.