Ecological Association Between Host Trees and Epiphytic Plants in the Loksado Forest, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

This study examines the ecological relationship between host trees and epiphytic plants in Loksado Forest, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The findings of the research are expected to provide a scientific basis for local conservation efforts while supporting the achievement of SDGs 15 through strengthening sustainable forest ecosystem management. Despite its high biodiversity, the relationship between epiphytic plants and phanerophytes in the region is still poorly explored. Using 10 plots measu were analyzed using a 2×2 contingency table with Chi-square (χ²) tests and Ochiai, Dice, and Jaccard indexes. The results showed 84 combinations between 14 host tree species and 6 epiphytic species, of which 17.86% showed a positive relationship. This study provides quantitative evidence of host-specific interactions between epiphytes and host trees in the Loksado Forest. Although only a few species exhibit strong or near-perfect associations, these findings serve as a crucial foundation for canopy biodiversity conservation efforts in the Meratus Mountains. Asosiasi Ekologis antara Pohon Inang dan Tumbuhan Epifit di Hutan Loksado, Kalimantan Selatan, Indonesia ABSTRAK: Penelitian ini mengkaji hubungan ekologi antara pohon inang dan tumbuhan epifit di Hutan Loksado, Kalimantan Selatan, Indonesia. Temuan penelitian diharapkan memberikan dasar ilmiah bagi upaya konservasi lokal sekaligus mendukung pencapaian SDGs 15 melalui penguatan pengelolaan ekosistem hutan secara berkelanjutan. Meskipun memiliki keanekaragaman hayati yang tinggi, hubungan antara tumbuhan epifit dan tumbuhan fanerofit di wilayah ini masih kurang dieksplorasi. Menggunakan 10 plot berukuran 10×10 m yang dipilih secara sengaja sepanjang transek riparian, hubungan spesies dianalisis menggunakan tabel kontingensi 2×2 dengan uji Chi-square (χ²) dan indeks Ochiai, Dice, dan Jaccard. Hasil menunjukkan 84 kombinasi antara 14 spesies pohon inang dan 6 spesies epifit, di mana 17,86% menunjukkan hubungan positif. Studi ini menyajikan bukti kuantitatif mengenai interaksi spesifik antara epifit dan pohon inang di Hutan Loksado. Meski hanya sedikit spesies yang menunjukkan asosiasi kuat hingga sempurna, temuan ini menjadi landasan krusial bagi upaya pelestarian keanekaragaman hayati kanopi di kawasan Pegunungan Meratus