Mangrove forest structure and diversity in Tha Kam Island, Bang Pakong Estuary, Chachoengsao Province: implications for conservation and restoration
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55674/cs.v18i2.265936Keywords:
Mangrove forestation, Species composition, Bang Pakong Estuary, Blue carbon, Forest structureAbstract
This study evaluated species composition, forest structure, and biodiversity of the natural mangrove area (NA) and the mangrove restoration (RA) areas on Tha Kam Natural Island (13.495873°N, 100.981029°E) in the Bang Pakong estuary, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. Vegetation surveys were conducted using a systematic line transect method with 10 × 10 m sampling plots established along geomorphological gradients. A total of nine mangrove species were recorded across both sites, including eight tree species and one shrub (Acanthus ilicifolius). The RA exhibited a higher tree density (31.71±19.01 trees per 100 m2) than the NA (21.71±9.54 trees per100 m2). However, the NA showed greater structural maturity, as reflected by a higher basal area (0.41 m2 per 100 m2) and greater species diversity (Shannon–Wiener index, H' = 1.140). In contrast, the RA exhibited lower diversity (H' = 0.480) and evenness (J' = 0.268), indicating dominance by Rhizophora mucronata and reflecting an early successional stage. These findings indicate that although reforestation has increased vegetation density, the restored forest still exhibits lower species diversity and limited structural heterogeneity, reflecting an early successional stage. Enhancing these structural and compositional attributes will be essential for strengthening long-term ecosystem resilience and increasing blue carbon sequestration potential in this estuarine mangrove ecosystem.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
HIGHLIGHTS
- Natural areas (NA) exhibit significantly higher structural maturity with a basal area of 0.41m2/100m2 compared to 0.27m2/100 m2 in restored areas (RA).
- The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H’) in the NA (1.14) is more than double that of the RA (0.48), indicating greater ecological stability.
- Restored areas show higher tree density (71 individuals/100 m2), reflecting uniform, human-restored stand characteristics.
- Pioneer species Avicennia and Sonneratia drive active successional recovery in the RA.
- Ecological profiles of Tha Kam Island serve as a vital baseline for function-oriented mangrove management and blue carbon accounting.
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