BIODIVERSITY OF PLANT COMMUNITY IN NATURAL FOREST IN PA DOI BO NATIONAL FOREST RESERVES, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND

Abstract

This study aimed to explore biodiversity of the plant community in a natural forest. It was in terms of structure of the natural forest, plant species composition and biodiversity of the natural forest (mixed forest). The exploration was conducted during July and August 2021. Firstly, placed 3 temporary plots of 20x50 meters. Each plot was divided into 10 study plots of 10x10 meters to collect big tree data. Besides, placed a plot of 4x4 meters to collect sapling data. Then, explored plant species, measured the size and height of trees, and explored plant species composition/biodiversity. Obtained data were analyzed for finding plant species diversity index. It was found that there were 151 trees, 44 saplings included in 47 species, 41 genera and 26 families. The natural forest was 603-615 meters above sea level and the forest canopy was 4.20 meters in height. Most of the trees there were deciduous. FABACEAE had an important value index (IVI) equivalent to 55.39. The most predominant plant varieties there was Tectona grandis (33.31 in value). The index of species diversity of the sample plots was 2.59 and the species evenness was equivalent to 0.67 Teak (Tectona grandis) planting should be promoted to replace big trees in the area for natural reproduction.