Diversity and spatial distribution of Lauraceae tree species in Lower Montane Forest at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Northern Thailand

SIRIPHUM SRISUWAN (Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University. 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900, Thailand)
SARAWOOD SUNGKAEW (Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University. 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900, Thailand)
CHONGRAK WACHRINRAT (Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University. 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900, Thailand)
LAMTHAI ASANOK (Faculty of Agroforestry, Maejo University. Phrae Campus, Tambon Mae Sai, Amphoe Rong Kwang, Chang Wat Phrae 54140, Thailand)
TORLARP KAMYO (Faculty of Agroforestry, Maejo University. Phrae Campus, Tambon Mae Sai, Amphoe Rong Kwang, Chang Wat Phrae 54140, Thailand)
SATHID THINKAMPHEANG (Cooperation Centre of Thai Forest Ecological Research Network, Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University. 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900, Thailand)
PANIDA KACHINA (Department of Highland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University. Huay Kaew Rd, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)
SUTHEERA HERMHUK (Faculty of Agricultural Production, Maejo University. 63 Moo 4, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province 50290, Thailand)
WONGSATORN PHUMPHUANG (Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation. 61 Phahonyothin Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand)
ARERUT YARNVUDHI (Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University. 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900, Thailand)
DOKRAK MAROD (Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University. 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900, Thailand)

Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity
Vol. 25 No. 10 (2024)

Abstract. Srisuwan S, Sungkaew S, Wachrinrat C, Asanok L, Kamyo T, Thinkampheang S, Kachina P, Hermhuk S, Phumphuang W, Yarnvudhi A, Marod D. 2024. Diversity and spatial distribution of Lauraceae tree species in Lower Montane Forest at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Northern Thailand. Biodiversitas 25: 3510-3520. Montane forests are characterized by high plant diversity, including a notable representation by the Lauraceae family, which offers a variety of ecological and economic benefits. This study aimed to assess the species diversity, spatial distribution, and habitat suitability of the Lauraceae family in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Northern Thailand. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was employed to determine the spatial distribution of the dominant Lauraceae species, whereas the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to assess habitat suitability for key species. A total of 24 species across 10 genera were found. The most species-rich genera were Cinnamomum and Litsea, followed by Cryptocarya, Machilus and Phoebe, and Actinodaphne, Persea, Beilschmiedia, and Neocinnamomum. Habitat suitability for important Lauraceae species was categorized into low-, medium-, and high-potential areas. The elevation and soil organic matter were the most significant factors influencing species abundance. Additionally, soil properties also played a role in species distribution. The spatial distribution of Lauraceae species was primarily influenced by elevation. However, this distribution is also influenced by the interplay between elevation, soil properties, climate, and human activity. Thus, a comprehensive knowledge of these determinants can inform conservation strategies and ensure the long-term viability of Lauraceae populations in montane forests.