ANALISIS KESEHATAN HUTAN TINGKAT TIANG DAN POHON (175-200 mdpl) DI KHDTK ULM BUKIT MANDIANGIN KALIMANTAN SELATAN

The elevation zone at KHDTK ULM Bukit Mandiangin exhibits a transitional and ecologically complex vegetation health pattern in its tropical hill forest ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the health condition of pole and tree-level vegetation by analyzing visually observed damage indicators. The assessment applied an Area Damage Index (ADI), incorporating location, type, and severity of damage on each plant individual. Results revealed that leaves and lower stems were the most frequently affected organs, with damage levels predominantly classified as mild to moderate. Notably, the emergence of stem cancer symptoms in Neolitsea cassia presents a significant ecological alert, indicating the early onset of chronic pathogenic infection at this altitude. These findings highlight the role of mid-elevation zones as bioecological indicators sensitive to environmental shifts. Hence, the development of a continuous monitoring framework focused on both regenerative and mature vegetation is urgently needed to support early mitigation of forest degradation in such transitional zones