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BIODIVERSITY
i. Terrestrial Flora
A 1-ha permanent study plot will be established randomly in five different locations in the study area. Selection of the sample plots will take into account the different altitude, habitat and age of the forest. All trees at and above 1 cm diameter at breast height will be measured, tag and identified to species level. For non-tree species i.e. ferns and ferns-allies, mosses, herbaceous, epiphytic and climbers, all individuals per species will be recorded and counted in the subplots measuring 20m x 20m within the main plot. All plant samples will be used as herbarium specimens for record and deposited at UPM Bintulu herbarium. Relative Density (RD), Relative Frequency (RF) and Relative Dominance (RDo) of each species over the total number of sample plots in the study area will be calculated and sum up to give a single index, namely Importance Value Index (IVI) (Curtis and MacIntosh, 1950). Species diversity is composed of two components, the total number of species and the evenness, which gives an indication of the structure of species distribution of a stand (Ludwig and Reynold, 1988). To measure this, diversity index H’ of Shanon will be calculated. Species richness in the community will be measured using equation for indices by Ludwig and Reynold, 1988 i.e. Margelef index and Menhinick index. Both data of pre and post development will be compared to see the effects of rehabilitation on species biodiversity.
ii. Wildlife
Study the current status of the various wildlife species. - There will be a number of replicate sampling areas within the study area. One sampling area consists of at least two sampling plots which will be established at random along each category of forest landscape. The dimensions of the plots will be determined based on the characteristics of the landscape. The final dimensions of the sampling plots will be constant after inspection of the areas in question.
iii. Aquatic Flora and Fauna
Field surveys will be undertaken in selected locations in the rehabilitated forest. At each site, all species of macrophytes (floating, submerged) encountered will be recorded. Macrophytes will be numbered in the field and detailed notes taken include date, habitat description, growth habit, and flower colour for identification and plant association. Some samples will be collected and preserved in 5% formalin.
Morphological studies: measurements of vegetative and reproductive structures. Anatomical studies will utilize the standard method of Johansen (1940). Data will be analysed to test for significant variation in the aquatic macrophytes’ dimensions of vegetative and reproductive components between all collection dates and locations using ANOVA and if significant differences were detected, followed by Turkey's honestly/Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Aquatic macrophytes taxonomic identification and characteristics will be compared with Pancho and Soerjani (1978), Noda et al. (1984) and Soerjani et al. (1987).
Surface and bottom water samples will be collected at each site in an airtight bottle, immediately placed on ice in a lightproof container and frozen within a maximum of 48 hours after collection. The surface/bottom pH (recorded using a pH-meter), dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity (recorded using Hydrometer), Sechii disk reading will be measured in situ. After thawing, the samples will be analysed for total suspended solids recommended by the APHA-Standard Method (1992). Substrate type will be analysed according to particle sizes (sand, silt and clay) following the method of Bouyoucos (1962) and English et al. (1994).
Field and laboratory data will be inputted in a computer. Digital Images of habitus/reproductive components and habitats of aquatic macrophytes will be stored and integrated in database program.
iv. Insect and microbes
- Entomological Studies
ü Baseline entomological studies on the diversity of insects in the area. Field works include collection of insect fauna by sweep nets and various types of traps (pitfall traps, malaise trap, UV light traps, light traps, Berlese funnel, fly traps), and dip-net for aquatic insects. GPS to provide exact locations of sampling sites (eg. Specific location differences at 1 minute = 1700 m, 1 second = 27m); GIS to integrate the data. Insects that require confirmation or identification further will be sent to relevant laboratories.
ü Biology and distribution of the insects. Ecological studies on some of the insects will be carried out at the same time of the previous sampling. Potential host plants and weeds will be identified to provide information on monitoring studies later.
ü Identification of potential pest insects in rehabilitated forest. Approaches include reviewing existing relevant literature, studies on existing pests of surrounding the rehabilitated forest, and laboratory studies (insectaries).
ü Monitoring of insect pest development in the plantation. Studies on damages, alternate hosts and natural enemies. Distribution studies use GPS/GIS to map pest progress.
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- Microbial Studies
ü Baseline entomological studies on the diversity of microbes in the area. Field works include collection of specimen and soil samples. Soil samples will be plated for microbial (fungi and bacteria) isolation in the laboratory. GPS to provide exact locations of sampling sites and GIS to integrate the data later. Identification of the microbes using PCR, Automated DNA Sequencing (ADS) and other relevant methods.
ü Identification of potential pathogens. Approaches include reviewing existing relevant literature, studies on existing diseases of surrounding forests and laboratory studies.
Monitoring of disease occurrence and development in the forest area. Studies on alternate hosts and possible natural enemies or competitors. Distribution studies use GPS/GIS to map disease progress.