Species composition of saplings in Pelangai forest reserve, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan

A study on the species composition and diversity of saplings (diameter at breast height ≥ 1.0–4.9 cm) was conducted in a regenerating lowland dipterocarp forest at Pelangai Forest Reserve, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. The aim of this preliminary study is to know how good the regeneration process is in this forest, as no research has ever been conducted in this forest, either for big trees or saplings. Four quadrats of 5 m x 5 m (0.01 ha) were established in the big tree plot (25m x 20 m). The floristic composition of saplings was represented by 48 individuals consisting of 34 species, 30 genera, and 20 families. Phyllanthaceae was the largest family in terms of the number of species, with five taxa. Diospyroshas recorded the highest total number of species with three taxa. Only one endemic species to Peninsular Malaysia was recorded, namely Diospyros singaporensis. The total basal area for all trees was 3.03 m²/ha. At the family level, Ebenaceae contributed the highest basal area of 0.67 m²/ha, and at the species level, Diospyros singaporensis (Ebenaceae) contributed the highest basal area of 0.53 m²/ha (17.37%). Sapling density in the study plot was 4,800 individuals/ha, with Ebenaceae the densest family, with 900 ind/ha, while Diospyros singaporensis (Ebenaceae) represents the densest species, with 700 individuals per hectare. Despite the time constraints and the establishment of relatively small quadrats, this study provided preliminary data on the floristic composition and abundance of saplings in the remaining regenerating lowland dipterocarp forest in Negeri Sembilan. At present, the biodiversity of the flora is still preserved, as the forest was handed to UiTM and is free from any development.