Identification of Soil Insect Diversity in the Situ Gunung Resort Area, Mount Gede Pangrango National Park, Sukabumi

The Situ Gunung area in the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park (TNGGP) serves as a vital tropical rainforest ecosystem currently facing ecological pressure due to intensive tourism activities. This research aims to identify the diversity of soil insects as bioindicators of environmental quality in this tourism zone. The study was conducted at two sites, the Lake area and the Curug Sawer area, using a 5x5 meter plot method combined with pitfall traps and abiotic environmental measurements (temperature, pH, humidity). The results indicate that the soil insect community in both locations is dominated by the Hymenoptera order, specifically the Formicidae family. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was 1.298 for the Lake area and 1.752 for the Curug area, both categorized as moderate diversity (range 1–3). The Curug area showed a more equitable distribution of species compared to the Lake area. This study provides crucial baseline data on soil macrofauna responses to tourism zoning, highlighting the need for evidence-based conservation strategies. It is recommended that TNGGP management implement stricter zoning regulations to maintain ecological stability and preserve the long-term economic and natural value of the Situ Gunung area.