Ecological Assessment of Vegetation Dynamics in the Tangkas Lake Ecotourism Area, Muaro Jambi Regency

Abstract

This study examines the ecological structure and vegetation composition in the freshwater ecotourism area of ​​Tangkas Lake, Muaro Jambi, which is still limited and generally dominated by Barringtonia acutangula, as a reference in supporting ecosystem management and conservation efforts. The sampling method was the transect and plot method with purposive sampling technique in the freshwater mangrove ecosystem conducted from August to October 2025. The analysis included vegetation composition, Importance Value Index (IVI), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results showed that 13 species from 8 families (229 individuals) were recorded at the tree level, dominated by the Lecythidaceae family (70%) and co-dominant Ebenaceae (15%). Meanwhile, at the sapling level, 9 species from 7 families (155 individuals) were found, with a strong dominance of Lecythidaceae (86%). The highest IVI value at both levels was obtained by Barringtonia acutangula (164.064% in trees and 216.577% in saplings). The species diversity index is classified as moderate, namely 1.647 at the tree level and 1.08 at the sapling level. PCA shows that water temperature and pH are the main factors influencing habitat conditions, while salinity is the environmental differentiating factor. These findings indicate that the freshwater mangrove ecosystem of Lake Tangkas has moderate diversity with the dominance of certain species. This condition also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts and sustainable management to maintain the stability and ecological function of the area.