Kajian Komposisi Jenis Vegetasi pada Rumpang Bekas Tebangan di Hutan Alam Produksi, Kalimantan Tengah

Forest gaps represent canopy openings created as a result of logging activities, and they play a critical role in shaping forest regeneration dynamics. This study aims to assess the vegetation structure and composition within these gaps and to examine their relationship with gap size and canopy openness. Gaps were categorized into two classes: small gaps (n = 9) and large gaps (n = 9). Vegetation surveys were conducted over two sampling periods spaced 10 months apart. A purposive sampling method was employed, using seedling plots (four plots per gap) to evaluate vegetation characteristics. Species composition and structural attributes were analyzed using biplot and principal component analysis (PCA). The results indicate an overall increase in species and family richness in the second sampling period across both gap types. Large gaps exhibited higher species and family diversity compared to small gaps. Shorea parvifolia showed a tendency to thrive in large gaps, independent of canopy cover. In contrast, Dryobalanops lanceolata and Stachyphrynium repens were more abundant in small gaps and appeared to be influenced by canopy closure. These findings highlight the role of gap size and light availability in shaping early regeneration in logged tropical forests.