Studi Keanekaragaman Dan Persepsi Masyarakat Terhadap Hutan Mangrove Di Desa Tiwatobi Kecamatan Ile Mandiri Kabupaten Flores Timur Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur

Alfira Defni Bulu Tuan , Ludji Michael Riwu Kaho , Mamie E. Pellondo’u

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the level of diversity and community perception
of the existence of mangrove vegetation in Tiwatobi village, East Flores regency, East
Nusa Tenggara province. This research is survey research. Based on the data collection
techniques, this study employed observation techniques on 13 Mangrove plots
measuring 2m x 2m, 5m x 5m, and 10m x 10m to determine the diversity of mangrove
vegetation. Furthermore, the interview technique and the distribution of the
questionnaire to 82 respondents based on the Slovin formula were carried out to specify
community perceptions of mangrove vegetation. The results revealed five types of
mangroves grouped into three families. The most elevated relative density at the tree
level was RhyzophotaMucronata (29.94), and the lowest was Bruguiera Parviflora
which was 11.98. Based on the pile and stake levels, the highest relative density values
were occupied by Bruguiera Parviflora (42.59), Munto (26.03). RhyzophoraStylosa
(0.0) and Bruguiera parviflora (13.01) had the lowest relative density values. Bruguiera
Parviflora is the species with the highest density of all levels, with a density value of
42.59. Meanwhile, RhyzophoraStylose has the lowest relative density value of 0.0. The
outcomes of this study also confirmed that the vegetation of the mangrove ecosystem in
Tiwatobi village, the index of importance, diversity, and richness of mangrove
vegetation with the classification of 'medium' value caused by the environmental
circumstances of mangroves that grow on muddy substrates and only a few species that
can grow. In addition, community activities on the coast also vandalize the mangrove
ecosystem, especially for the mooring land construction to meet the family's economy.
Furthermore, the community's perception of mangrove vegetation existence has a
critical role in the viewpoints of physical, ecological, and economic, as evidenced by the
positive response to the existence, function, and preservation of mangrove forests in
Tiwatobi village.