Mangrove Community Structure and Healthiness in Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara

Abstract

Mangroves in Rote Ndao play an important role in protecting and preserving 65% of fish and marine biota in this surrounding area. Unfortunately, the data and information about the condition of the mangrove ecosystem are limited and less published. This study aimed to determine the mangrove community structure and spatial distribution of mangrove healthiness in Rote Ndao District. Mangrove distribution was investigated using the k-means algorithm classification method by Sentinel 2A Surface Reflectance. Mangrove community structure and condition were studied in 39 observation plots spread around Rote Ndao Regency. The Healthiness distribution of the mangrove ecosystem was analyzed using the MHI Algorithm produced by Dharmawan. A total of 13 mangrove species have been identified, with the highest Important Value Index (IVI) Rizhophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba. The average canopy cover shows a medium value of 63.48±16.34%, density of 21.55±9.31 stand/plot, Diameter Breast Height (DBH) 15.93±5.25 cm, and height 12.05±4.54 m. Mangrove Health Index (MHI) shows a moderate to excellent category with an average of 64.01±13.18 %. The distribution of mangrove areas in Rote Ndao is 2,081.44 ha, and 6% or 124 ha areas are in the poor category.