<![CDATA[Abstract. Eddy S, Basyuni M. 2020. The phenomenon of nipah (Nypa fruticans) invasion in the Air Telang Protected Forest, Banyuasin District, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 5114-5118. Disturbed mangrove forests such as the Air Telang Protected Forest (ATPF) do not have plant formation as natural mangrove forests and tend to be invaded by Nypa fruticans locally called nipah. The purpose of this study was to describe the phenomenon of nipah invasion in ATPF as a result of anthropogenic activities and its effects. The field survey was carried out by determining several sampling points according to the actual conditions of the area using the Geographic Information System/GPS. During field survey, data were collected in the form of descriptions and documentation of forest conditions, especially the distribution of nipah plants along with interviews with the local communities. It was known that nipah invasion occurred in the ATPF area due to anthropogenic activities where nipah thrives in open areas, both in tidal and land zones, as well as in pond areas. The invasion of nipah will have an impact on disturbing the balance of mangrove forest ecosystem functions due to changes in the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the environment. However, nipah has various benefits that can be used by the local community, including the leaves, stems, and fruit, as well as the presence of worms that are associated with the nipah plant.]]>
