ALTITUDINAL ZONATION OF FOREST COMMUNITIES IN SELANGOR, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Abstract

Composition and structure of forest communities along altitudinal gradient were studied in relation to some climatic factors in Selangor, Malaysia. Lapse rates estimated from a two-year observation were 0.44 and 0.43"C per 100 m for maximum and minimum temperature, respectively. Altitudinal change in radiation reflected the frequent cloudy weather in the area at elevation higher than 800 m above sea level. Higher tree density and lower maximum tree height were observed at higher altitude. The number of family, genus and species per 500 m² were higher, while those per 50 individuals were lower in higher altitude. Diversity index (H') decreased linearly with altitude, while equitability (J') was almost uniform. Cluster analysis based on genus and family level similarity suggested the altitudinal classification as follows: lowland (0-700 m above sea level), transition (700-1100 m above sea level), lower montane (1100-1500 m above sea level), upper montane (1500- 1700 m above sea level).