Floristic diversity and threats in new hilly tourist areas: A case study in the Riam Setongah nature tourism area, Lamandau Regency

The Riam Setongah nature tourism area in Lamandau district, Central Kalimantan province, is a newly developed destination in response to the growing popularity of ecotourism among the younger generation. However, the increase in tourist activity has raised concerns about potential damage to the local flora. The changes in the flora composition have sparked efforts to protect the seven hills, which hold significant cultural value for the Kaharingan community. In order to evaluate the variety of plant species in the area, a combination of line and patch methods were employed. Subplots were systematically created along each trail, and data were collected at tree, stake, sapling, and seedling levels. The Important Value Index was utilized to calculate the dominance of plant species, incorporating metrics such as species density, relative density, species dominance, relative dominance, species abundance, relative abundance, and species diversity. Overall, the Species Richness Index was relatively high, and Species varied across different growth levels. Additionally, the Evenness Index value indicates a relatively balanced distribution of species at each growth level. However, despite the high Evenness Index, the diversity of flora still requires attention. It is important to implement regulations and educational initiatives to mitigate visitor impacts on vulnerable areas.


Introduction
Nature tourism has gained immense popularity as a tourist destination due to its picturesque natural landscapes and the allure of experiencing the unique lifestyles of the local inhabitants [1].Following the Covid-19 pandemic, outdoor tourism has emerged as a preferred choice for many, as it offers a sense of safety and comfort in open spaces with proper air circulation [2,3].Mountains, forests, beaches, rivers, rice fields, and plantations are among the sought-after natural attractions for tourists [4].This growing trend of visiting natural sites has been facilitated by advancements in information and communication technology, which allows individuals to showcase and share extraordinary and breathtaking locations, even if they are remote and challenging to access.Being the first to explore and document such places has become a matter of pride, leading to the sharing and viral spread of these experiences on social media platforms [5].
Delang District, situated in Lamandau Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, captivates both domestic and international tourists with its captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.The close proximity of nature and culture in Delang District renders it truly distinctive, boasting its own unique charm.In recognition of this, the Lamandau District Government has officially designated Delang District as a nature and cultural tourism destination, with the inaugural ceremony taking place on Wednesday, April 22, 2015.The event witnessed the presence of notable figures such as the House of Representatives (DPRD) Chairman of Lamandau Regency, Regional Leadership Communication Forum elements, Deputy Regent of Lamandau, Heads of Local Service, as well as the entire apparatus of Delang District and local residents.The declaration of Delang District as a natural and cultural tourism destination injects a breath of fresh air into the people of Lamandau Regency, particularly the inhabitants of Delang District, and promises to have a positive impact on the economic development of the people residing in Delang Padak District and the overall Lamandau Regency.
Delang District is conveniently accessible by land, with a travel time of approximately three hours from Nanga Bulik, the capital of Lamandau Regency.The delightful attractions in Delang District include the renowned Sebayan Hill, revered as a paradise for followers of the Kaharingan faith, along with a variety of enchanting waterfalls and the Setongah River tours.Bukit Sebayan, a protected area located in Delang District, borders directly with West Kalimantan province.It consists of seven interconnected hills and holds great sacred significance for the Kaharingan people of Lamandau Regency.Nestled at the foot of Sebayan Hill, numerous rivers flow, including the Setongah River, meandering along the hillside until it converges with the Delang River.These rivers form crucial lifelines within Delang District, accentuating its natural splendor.On the other hand, the Setongah River is a source of clean water for the people of Kudangan village.This is, of course, inseparable from efforts to manage the area and preserve the forest and its ecosystem so that the Setongah River has the quality of beautiful nature tourism.
Concerns about the damage that could be done to the Riam Setongah nature tourism area over time, which can be triggered by various things, such as pressure due to population growth and the increasing needs of people living around the forest.Other threats such as forest fires, landslides, and floods that may occur are also a threat to the forest ecosystem in the Riam Setongah nature tourism area.The lack of information about the flora in Riam Setongah nature tourism area and the fact that no research has ever been conducted in this area led the author to adopt the title of this research.The title Riam Setongah nature tourism area is intended to be an introduction to the biodiversity of flora in this area, especially the diversity of plant species from the banks of the river up to ± 500 m to the base of Sebayan Hill, which is one of the highest plateaus in Central Kalimantan.The aim of this study is to determine the diversity in Riam Setongah nature tourism area as a buffer zone.

Research site
This research was carried out in the vicinity of the Riam Setongah Natural Tourism Area in Kudangan Village, Delang District, Lamandau Regency.The research was carried out from June 2022 to November 2022 in 25 sample plots.

Sampling design and data collection
The sampling design employed in this study utilized a nested sampling approach, whereby sub-plots were systematically established along each trail.Data collection for tree analysis was conducted within sub-plots measuring 20 m x 20 m, while pole-level data were collected within 10 m x 10 m sub-plots.Sub-plots measuring 5 m x 5 m were used for sapling-level analysis and a 2 m x 2 m plot were utilized for seedlings and other plant assessments.

Data analysis
Various parameters were measured to evaluate the flora composition, including species density, relative density, species dominance, relative dominance, species frequency, relative frequency, importance, and diversity.These metrics were calculated according to the methodology outlined by Odum [6].

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The calculation of vegetation abundance was performed utilizing the formula: Where: Ki = abundance of vegetation Xi = number of vegetation individuals at sub-plot L = sub-plot size The level of vegetation diversity was assessed through the utilization of diversity index analysis.The diversity index (H') can be computed using the formula in the following manner: where: Pi = ni/N Ni = number of individuals N = total number of vegetation individuals H' = index of species diversity The uniformity index (E) measures the distribution of individuals among various species in a community, reflecting the balance within an ecosystem.To calculate the uniformity index of vegetation, the following approach is employed:

𝐸 = 𝐻′ 𝐻𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑠
where: E = index of uniformity H' = species diversity index H max = ln S S = number of species The uniformity index is a scale that varies between 0 and 1.A value approaching 1 indicates a uniform distribution of individuals among species, signifying a balanced distribution.Conversely, a value near 0 suggests an uneven distribution or the dominance of certain species within the community.
Dominance index of species calculated using the formula: where: D = dominance index ni = number of individuals of species i N = total number of individuals The dominance index is evaluated based on specific criteria.When D approaches 0, it indicates the absence of a dominant species, while a value nearing 1 suggests the presence of a dominant species.The dominance index (D) is utilized to assess the dominance of a specific species within an (3) (2) (4) 4 ecosystem.When a species attains significant dominance, it can lead to unstable or compromised conditions within the ecosystem or community.

Vegetation dominance
Categorizing species that have ecological dominance at each growth level is determined by the Importance Value Index (IVI) which ranks one to fifth.This is done considering the type that has the highest IVI and so on until the lowest is showing the rank of its role.This statement is in accordance with the opinion of Soerianegara and Indrawan [7], that the species that have a role in the forest community are marked by the highest IVI.
The results of the research at the level of line 1 seedlings found as many as 76 species of plants.The results of IVI calculations from the level of line 1 seedlings in the Riam Setongah nature tourism area are presented in Table 1.
Table 1.The presence of Fordia brachybotrys, Syzygium sp, and Macaranga hypoleuca as dominant vegetation indicates that the area has been impacted by forest fires or clearance activities, either in small patches or as former fields.On the other hand, Gluta renghas and Shorea laevis are plant species with strong competitive abilities, leading to their higher occurrence.These findings align with the research conducted by Arrijani [8], which highlights how the structure and composition of vegetation in an area are influenced by the interactions of various environmental factors within the ecosystem.
At the seedling level along Line 2, the research identified 69 plant species.The IVI calculations for seedlings along Line 2 in the Riam Setongah nature tourism area are presented in Table 2.The field research results revealed the presence of several plant species with a higher number, indicating the existence of competition for growth and development among different individuals.The dominance of certain plant species suggests their superior vitality to thrive and reproduce in their specific environmental conditions.Vitality refers to the success rate of a plant in living, growing, and reproducing normally.The vitality of each species determines its ability to maintain its position within the community, as emphasized by Arrijani [8].
At the sapling level along Line 1, the research identified 79 plant species.The IVI calculations for saplings along Line 1 in the Riam Setongah nature tourism area are presented in Table 3. Apart from factors such as competition, adaptation, and reproductive abilities of dominant plant species, the growth rates are also influenced by the availability of sunlight, which is a crucial element for photosynthesis, a process essential for plant growth.In this context, dominant species have better access to sunlight compared to other types, resulting in a higher number of individuals in a particular area.Plants face increasing hindrances to their growth under high levels of shade, as shade reduces the availability of solar radiation, the primary source of light for plants during photosynthesis [9].
At the sapling level along Line 2, the research identified 85 plant species.The IVI calculations for saplings along Line 2 in the Riam Setongah nature tourism area are presented in Table 4.The growth of plant species is also impacted by the formation of the forest canopy, which plays a vital role in the natural regeneration of various plant species within it.During the research at the pole level along Line 1, a total of 69 plant species were identified.The IVI calculations for poles along Line 1 in the Riam Setongah nature tourism area are presented in Table 5.The plant species that dominated at the seedling and sapling levels were not found among the species that dominated at the pole level.This indicates that these particular species were unable to compete and grow to a larger size.The emergence of new species at the pole level demonstrates a selection process where only certain individuals with competitive abilities are able to thrive.

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During the research at the pole level along Line 2, a total of 75 plant species were identified.The IVI calculations for poles along Line 2 in the Riam Setongah nature tourism area are presented in Table 6.The plant species that dominated at the seedling and sapling levels in both Line 1 and Line 2 were not found among the species that dominated at the pole level.This indicates that these particular species were unable to compete and grow to a larger size.The emergence of new species at the pole level provides evidence of a selection process where only individuals with competitive abilities can thrive.The diversity within a forest is influenced by competition, regeneration, and selection.The competition between species in forest ecosystems plays a significant role in the evolutionary process and the emergence of specific species [10].
During the research at the tree line level 1, a total of 75 plant species were identified.The IVI calculations for the pole level 1 in Line 1 of the Riam Setongah nature tourism area are presented in Table 7.
Table 7 The tree species within the Riam Setongah nature tourism area exhibit robust growth, as supported by the discovery of 75 plant species along a single research line.Within this diverse array, there are five specific plant species that demonstrate dominance at the tree level, highlighting their successful adaptation to the local habitat and their capacity to endure various environmental conditions.These particular species possess effective mechanisms for dispersing their seeds, ensuring their successful establishment in suitable habitats within the ecosystem.Furthermore, their growth patterns and life history strategies, such as rapid growth rates or long-term persistence, contribute to their ability to outcompete other species and establish dominance.The competition for limited resources, including light, water, nutrients, and space, plays a crucial role in driving the selection and establishment of these dominant species.
During the research at the tree line level 2, a total of 75 plant species were recorded.The IVI calculations for the pole level 2 in Line 1 of the Riam Setongah nature tourism area are presented in Table 8.A total of 75 plant species were recorded at the tree level of line 2.Among them, 5 dominant species were identified based on their highest Importance Value Index (IVI) values.This indicates that the level of diversity in the Riam Setongah nature tourism area is considered good.The variation in IVI values reflects the influence of environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and competition for nutrients, sunlight, and growing space among different species.
According to Brockerhoff et al. [11], the dominance of a species is influenced by several factors, including competition among individuals.This competition is closely related to climate conditions and the availability of essential minerals.When the climate and mineral conditions are favorable for a particular species, it tends to dominate the community.
The forest condition in the Riam Setongah nature tourism area is affected by its proximity to human settlements.Community activities, such as shifting cultivation, and natural disasters like forest fires, significantly impact the forest condition and its sustainability in the area.The research results indicate differences in the dominant flora between the two established research lines.Pioneer plant species, which thrive after forest disturbances caused by natural disasters or human activities, tend to dominate the vegetation at their respective growth stages.These pioneer plants are commonly found among seedlings and saplings due to the presence of former fields and areas affected by forest fires in the research location, allowing new plant species to establish and reproduce more abundantly than in their natural habitat.
Observing the dominating species in lines 1 and 2 reveals that certain areas of the research location were previously open areas.Line 1 is predominantly occupied by sustainable natural plant communities, while line 2 includes research plots that were formerly used for community farming or local gardens.Consequently, more pioneer plants are found in line 2, which have emerged after the clearance of forest areas, along with plantation species directly planted by the local community.The dominant species play a crucial role in the forest community, affecting diversity, richness, and uniformity levels.The differences in dominant species and the presence of various plant species between lines 1 and 2 at each growth stage are essential for maintaining ecosystem stability.The ability of plants to grow and develop gradually diminishes at the seedling and sapling levels compared to the pole and tree levels, particularly for pioneer plants after forest destruction.This indicates their inability to compete effectively for growth.The emergence of new species at the pole level demonstrates a selection process where individuals capable of competing and thriving successfully are favored.Overall, competition, regeneration, and selection contribute to the diversity within forest ecosystems, ultimately influencing the evolution and emergence of specific species [9].

Species Diversity
Species diversity in a forest community can be assessed using various indices such as the Total Diversity Degree Species Diversity Index (H), Species Richness Index (R), and Evenness Index (E).These indices provide valuable insights into the composition and distribution of species within the community.The calculations of the diversity index, species richness index, and species evenness index for line 1 are summarized in Table 9.On average, the H' (diversity index) value is high for line 1.This indicates that the seedling, pole, and stake levels play significant roles in the studied area.Referring to the data in Table 10, it is clear that these three growth levels exhibit higher species richness and species evenness indices compared to the tree level.The higher values of species richness and evenness at the seedling, pole, and stake levels suggest a greater diversity of species and a more balanced distribution of individuals within these growth stages.This implies that these lower levels of the forest structure contribute significantly to the overall biodiversity of the area.
In contrast, the tree level shows relatively lower values for species richness and evenness, suggesting that the diversity and even distribution of species are not as prominent at this stage.This finding highlights the importance of considering the entire vertical structure of the forest when assessing species diversity, as different growth stages contribute differently to the overall diversity patterns.Understanding these variations in species diversity across different growth stages is crucial for effective forest management and conservation practices.It provides insights into the ecological dynamics and the need to prioritize conservation efforts for specific growth levels that play a vital role in maintaining overall ecosystem health and functioning.10 shows that the overall average value of H' is high.This shows that the saplings, stakes, and trees play a fairly important role at the Line 2 site.From the data in Table 10, it can be seen that the three growth rates, the number of species, and the species uniformity index tend to be higher compared to the growth rate of saplings.
One indicator that can be used to determine the important role of a species in the forest community is the degree of species diversity.This is consistent with statements made by several authors [12][13][14], the degree of species diversity can describe the stability of an ecosystem.The higher the degree of species diversity, the more stable the ecosystem.It is further stated that such ecosystems become more mature, moreover, it is possible that species interactions occur, which may include energy transfer, predation, competition, and more complex niche distribution.
Looking closely at the analysis of the species richness index (R) for the Riam Setongah natural tourism area, there is a tendency to fluctuate, with the low grade found on line 1 at the stake level of 12,497 and the highest at the tree level of 13,402, while on line 2 the low grade found at the seedling level is 10,327 and the highest at the tree level is 14,549.
The presence of index (R) in line 1 tends to be higher at the tree level and in line 2 the highest index (R) is also found at the tree level.This is due to the fact that the number of species tends to be higher than other growth rates and the opposite is true at the tree and pole level.Apart from this, the number of individuals tends not to contribute much to a high species richness index (R).This is consistent with previous studies stating that species richness as an indicator of species diversity is influenced by the number of species and the number of individuals of all species in each sample plot [15][16][17].
A close look at the analysis of Evenness Index (E) as a whole shows that the value of E for Riam Setongah nature tourism area, where the lowest grade was found on line 1 at the tree level of 0.915 and the highest at the stake level of 0.947, while on line 2 the lowest grade was also found at the tree level of 0.915 and the highest at the stake level of 0.949.This situation indicates that the species diversity and number of species for all growth stages looks more diverse in the community.
Tables 10 and 11 show that the evenness index for seedlings, saplings, poles and trees has relatively high E value or close to 1.0 on average.This shows that the distribution of abundance of each species tends to vary for all growth rates in this region, although there is a tendency for a particular species to dominate.

Challenges faced by Riam Setongah nature tourism area
As the Riam Setongah nature tourism area emerges as a new destination, it faces various pressures from visitors that demand the attention of all stakeholders.The primary challenge is the issue of visitor overload.The growing popularity of the Riam Setongah nature tourism area has triggered a surge in visitor numbers, potentially exceeding the area's capacity.This surge in visitors can strain the infrastructure, harm the environment, and impact the overall quality of the tourism experience.Another concern is the environmental degradation caused by visitors.Failure to adhere to eco-friendly rules and practices in nature tourism areas can result in littering, plant damage, and disruption to natural ecosystems.These actions jeopardize the sustainability of the environment and the appeal of the tourist attraction.
Furthermore, conflicts between visitors and local communities may arise.The presence of visitors can give rise to disagreements regarding compensation for services or clashes due to inappropriate behaviour that disregards local customs and culture.Visitors lacking sufficient knowledge or understanding of the significance of preserving the environment and local culture may unintentionally contribute to damage and conflicts.Educating and raising awareness among tourists about responsible tourism practices can alleviate these pressures.Lastly, ineffective management poses a challenge.Poor planning and inadequate management of tourist areas can lead to resource misuse, conflicts of interest, and a decline in the quality of the tourist experience.To address these pressures, it is crucial to involve local communities in decision-making processes, promote awareness and education on responsible tourism, and implement sustainable management policies and practices.

Conclusion
Based on the research findings, the following conclusions can be drawn.First, the average value of the Species Diversity Index in lines one and two is relatively high, with line one having an average value of 3.994 and line two having an average value of 4.006.These values are considered high and are close to the reference value for population stability, which is 3.39.Additionally, they fall within the high category of the H' index, which is 3.50.This indicates a high level of species diversity and suggests a stable population within the studied area.In addition, the average value of the species richness index in lines one and two is 12.859 and 13.018, respectively.This indicates a relatively high IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1253/1/01212010 number of species present in both lines.The higher species richness suggests a diverse range of plant species in the area, contributing to the overall biodiversity.The average value of the Evenness Index in lines one and two is 0.931 and 0.915, respectively.These values indicate a relatively high level of evenness in species distribution across the seedling, sapling, stake, and tree levels.This suggests a balanced representation of different species within each growth stage, contributing to a more stable and resilient ecosystem.
Lastly, the emergence of Riam Setongah as a new tourism destination brings various challenges that require attention from stakeholders.The primary concern is visitor overload, as the area's popularity has led to a surge in visitor numbers that may exceed its capacity.This can strain infrastructure, harm the environment, and impact the tourism experience.Environmental degradation caused by visitors is another issue, with littering, plant damage, and disruption to ecosystems posing threats to sustainability and attraction appeal.Conflicts between visitors and local communities can also arise due to disagreements over compensation and clashes with local customs.Lack of awareness and understanding among tourists exacerbate these problems.Addressing these pressures requires educating tourists on responsible practices, involving local communities in decision-making, and implementing sustainable management policies.
Dominant species at line 1 seedling level based on ranking

Table 2 .
Dominant species at line 2 seedling level based on ranking

Table 3 .
Dominant types of path stake level 1 based on ranking

Table 4 .
Dominant species of line 2 staking level based on ranking

Table 5 .
Dominant types of line 1 poles based on ranking

Table 6 .
Dominant types of line 2 poles based on ranking

Table 8 .
Dominant types of pole level 2 based on ranking

Table 9 .
Diversity index, species richness index and species evenness index of line 1

Table 10 .
Diversity index, species richness index and species evenness index of line 2