A case of non-metric multidimensional scaling of alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (ɣ) biological diversity across the diverse forest habitats

Year 2025, Volume: 26 Issue: 1, 1 - 11, 28.03.2025

Mehedi Hasan Rakib , Mohd Imran Hossain Chowdhury Chinmoy Das Tonima Hossain

Abstract

The ecological intricacies that govern biodiversity is an essential understanding for the effective conservation of natural ecosystems. The study examines the impact of different forest habitats i.e. forests, rivers, and tourist areas on biodiversity across trees, birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates. Field data were collected from 90 plots using various methods, such as quadrat sampling for trees, circular strip transects for aves, and live trapping for mammals and reptiles. Biodiversity indices (alpha, beta, gamma) were analyzed using the R programming environment, employing the vegan and iNEXT packages. Results revealed significant differences in species richness and composition among habitats. Forests exhibited high alpha diversity indices, with values of 86 for trees, 104 for aves, and 46 for mammals. River-associated forests showed increased species richness and evenness, with notable beta diversity, especially for invertebrates. Conversely, tourist areas displayed reduced species richness and slightly lower alpha diversity indices for trees and invertebrates. The Shannon diversity index was highest for trees (3.60) and lowest for invertebrates (1.00), highlighting the negative impact of human activities in tourist areas. Games-Howell tests and NMDS confirmed significant variation in species distributions between habitats, with rarefaction curves indicating the highest richness in forests. The study also linked conservation efforts, such as reforestation and anti-poaching activities, to improvements in biodiversity. Recommendations include prioritizing the protection of high-biodiversity areas, habitat restoration, ongoing monitoring, public education, and strict enforcement of environmental policies. These strategies are essential for enhancing biodiversity conservation and maintaining ecological integrity. The findings provide critical insights into the relationship between habitat types and biodiversity, supporting effective conservation and management practices.

Keywords

Biodiversity, iNEXT, Kaptai National Park, Forest ecology, NMDS, Rarefaction

Ethical Statement

This paper's research was carried out in accordance with ethical guidelines. The institutional and national guidelines for biodiversity research were followed in all fieldwork operations. Minimal disruption to the ecosystems and species surveyed was guaranteed by the study. No endangered species were damaged in the course of the study, and all necessary permits for data collection were obtained from the appropriate authorities. Ethical principles were followed in the collection and analysis of the data to guarantee openness, honesty, and environmental respect.

Supporting Institution

Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram-4331, Bangladesh

Thanks

The authors are thankful to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Forest Division for their necessary support to conduct the field-works in Kaptai National Park.

Farklı orman habitatlarında alfa (α), beta (β) ve gama (ɣ) biyoçeşitliliği üzerine metrik olmayan çok boyutlu ölçeklendirme analizi örneği

Abstract

Doğal ekosistemlerin etkin korunabilmesi için biyoçeşitliliği yöneten ekolojik inceliklerin anlaşılması önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışma, ormanlar, nehirler ve turistik alanlar gibi farklı orman habitatlarının ağaçlar, kuşlar, memeliler, sürüngenler ve omurgasızlar arasındaki biyolojik çeşitlilik üzerindeki etkisini incelemektedir. Saha verileri, ağaçlar için kuadrat örnekleme, kuşlar için dairesel şerit transektler ve memeliler ve sürüngenler için canlı yakalama gibi çeşitli yöntemler kullanılarak 90 parselden toplanmıştır. Biyoçeşitlilik endeksleri (alfa, beta, gama) R programlama ortamı kullanılarak vegan ve iNEXT paketleri ile analiz edilmiştir. Sonuçlar, habitatlar arasında tür zenginliği ve kompozisyonunda önemli farklılıklar olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Ormanlar, ağaçlar için 86, kuşlar için 104 ve memeliler için 46 değerleriyle yüksek alfa çeşitlilik endeksleri sergilemiştir. Nehirle ilişkili ormanlar, özellikle omurgasızlar için kayda değer beta çeşitliliği ile birlikte artan tür zenginliği göstermiştir. Buna karşılık, turistik alanlar, ağaçlar ve omurgasızlar için tür zenginliğinde azalma ve biraz daha düşük alfa çeşitliliği indeksleri göstermiştir. Shannon çeşitlilik endeksi ağaçlar için en yüksek (3.60) ve omurgasızlar için en düşük (1.00) değerde olup, turistik bölgelerdeki insan faaliyetlerinin olumsuz etkisini vurgulamaktadır. Habitatlar arasındaki tür dağılımlarında önemli bir varyasyon olduğunu doğrulamış, seyrekleşme eğrileri ise en yüksek zenginliğin ormanlarda olduğunu göstermiştir. . Çalışma ayrıca ağaçlandırma ve kaçak avcılıkla mücadele faaliyetleri gibi koruma çabalarını biyoçeşitlilikteki iyileşmelerle ilişkilendirmiştir. Öneriler arasında yüksek biyoçeşitliliğe sahip alanların korunmasına öncelik verilmesi, habitat restorasyonu, sürekli izleme, halk eğitimi ve çevre politikalarının sıkı bir şekilde uygulanması yer almaktadır. Bu stratejiler biyolojik çeşitliliğin korunması ve ekolojik bütünlüğün sürdürülmesi için elzemdir. Bulgular, habitat türleri ve biyoçeşitlilik arasındaki ilişkiye dair kritik bilgiler sunarak etkili koruma ve yönetim uygulamalarını desteklemektedir.

Keywords

Biyoçeşitlilik, iNEXT, Kaptai Milli Parkı, Orman ekolojisi, NMDS, Seyreltme

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