The Effect of Deforestation on Araceae Hemiepiphyte Populations in Toili-Bulan Track Area, Central Sulawesi

Abstract : Tropical forests are highly dynamic ecosystems that support diverse plant communities, including hemiepiphytes that depend on stable microclimatic conditions and complex forest structures. However, increasing deforestation has altered these environments, potentially affecting the survival and distribution of sensitive plant groups. This study aims to analyze the impact of deforestation on the population structure and diversity of Araceae hemiepiphytes in the Toili–Bulan track area, Central Sulawesi. The research integrates remote sensing analysis of land cover change from 2019 to 2023 with field-based vegetation surveys conducted in 2023. Land cover analysis using Sentinel-2 imagery revealed a significant decrease in forest area by 10.85%, accompanied by a substantial increase in mixed dryland agriculture (29.46%), indicating that agricultural expansion is the primary driver of deforestation. Vegetation analysis recorded 285 individuals/ha of Araceae hemiepiphytes across 13 species, with Pothos tener and Rhaphidophora species showing the highest abundance and ecological importance. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H’ = 2.39) indicated moderate species diversity. The findings demonstrate a strong relationship between forest degradation and hemiepiphyte populations, where reduced canopy cover and loss of mature host trees negatively affect habitat availability and microclimatic stability. Consequently, areas experiencing higher levels of deforestation exhibit lower population density and diversity of hemiepiphytic species. This study highlights the ecological sensitivity of Araceae hemiepiphytes to forest disturbance and underscores the importance of conserving forest structure to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem stability in tropical forests.