Vegetation Structure and Species Dominance of Mangrove Ecosystems in Kase Coastal Waters South Buru Regency Maluku, Indonesia

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems play a crucial role in coastal protection, biodiversity support, and ecological stability, yet they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures, particularly in understudied regions such as eastern Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the vegetation structure of mangroves in the coastal waters of Kase Village, South Buru Regency. A quantitative descriptive approach was employed using line transect and plot methods to collect data on species composition, density, frequency, and ecological indices. Data were analyzed using vegetation analysis techniques, including density, frequency, dominance, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, and Importance Value Index (IVI). The results identified three dominant species, namely Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Rhizophora apiculata, and Sonneratia alba, with a total of 699 individuals across seedling, sapling, and tree stages. B. gymnorhiza dominated the seedling and sapling stages, while R. apiculata dominated the tree stage, indicating differences in regeneration and competitive strategies. The diversity index ranged from low to moderate, and the dominance index remained low, suggesting a relatively stable but low-diversity community. The IVI analysis confirmed the ecological importance of B. gymnorhiza and R. apiculata in shaping the community structure. This study contributes to the limited empirical data on mangrove ecosystems in Maluku and highlights the importance of species-specific strategies in mangrove management and restoration efforts.