An ethnoecological study on plant conservation in Jering Menduyung Nature Recreational Park of West Bangka (Indonesia)

Abstract

Background: The communities around Jering Menduyung Nature Recreational Park (NRP) have local wisdom for utilizing and managing natural resources. Nature management, which is done and influenced by the implementation of local wisdom, can be studied through ethnoecological studies. This research aimed to record the plant species protected by local wisdom that supports the conservation of trees in the lowland forest of Jering Menduyung NRP through ethnoecological studies.

Methods: This research was conducted in January-July 2023 in the traditional Jering Menduyung NRP and Air Menduyung Village. Ecological data were collected through vegetation analysis using the quadrat method with 21 plots and analyzed by calculating the Important Value Index. Local wisdom was collected through interviews and observation, which were analyzed descriptively and by calculating the Index of Cultural Significance.

Results: There were 37 tree species found in 24 families. The main uses of these tree species are for building boats and houses, being utilized as traditional ritual materials, and being the source of natural honeycomb. Based on the ICS values, the most important species in the local culture are Calophyllum lanigerum Miq., Dipterocarpus gracilis Blume, Ficus sundaica Blume, and Dipterocarpus grandiflorus (Blanco) Blanco. These tree species are protected by the local wisdom in managing landscape units, a ban on cutting trees in the rimba, belief in pulong kayu, sapon honey, the taboo of melayuk, and traditional rituals.

Conclusions: Local wisdom of the community around Jering Menduyung NRP supports tree conservation in those areas.

Keywords: Jerieng Tribe, Local ecological knowledge, Local wisdom, Traditional ecological knowledge, Tree