Assessment of Coral Reef Life-Form Classification Scheme using Multiresolution Images on Parang Island, Indonesia

Spatial information on the varying composition of coral reefs is beneficial for the management and preservation of natural resources in coastal areas. Its availability is inseparable from environmental management goals; however, it can also be used as a means of supporting tourism activities and predicting the emergence of certain living species. A satellite image is one of the effective and efficient data sources that provide spatial information on coral reef variations. This study aimed to evaluate the classification scheme of coral reef life-form using images with different spatial resolutions on Parang Island, Karimunjawa Islands, Central Java. These images were from PlanetScope (3m), PlanetScope resampling (6m), and Sentinel-2A MSI (10m), whose spatial resolutions functioned as the base for building the 3m, 6m, and 10m classification schemes producing 12, 11, and 9 classes, respectively. As for the classification method, it integrated both object-based and pixel-based approaches. The results showed that the highest overall accuracy (60%) was obtained using Sentinel-2A MSI image (10m), followed by PlanetScope (3m) with 48% accuracy, and PlanetScope resampling (6m) with 40% accuracy. This finding indicates that multiresolution images can be used to produce complex coral reef life-form maps with different levels of information details. Keywords: Coral reef; Life-form; Planetscope; Spatial resolution; Classification scheme Copyright (c) 2021 Geosfera Indonesia and Department of Geography Education, University of Jember This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share A like 4.0 International License

FLORISTIC COMPOSITION AND BIOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF BARA GALI, ABBOTTABAD

Floristic composition and Phytosociological studies on the flora of Bara Gali District Abbottabad, Pakistan was conducted. The altitudinal range of the Bara Gali is from 2100-2370 meter. From the study area 50 species belong to 33 families were recorded. Herbaceous flora was dominant with 35 species, shrubs with 10 species and tree with 5 species. Asteraceae was dominant having 6 species. Microphyll dominant leaf size spectra and hemicryptophytes were dominant life form in the study area. This study provide information about the floristic composition of Bara Gali.

A Preliminary Taxonomic Study on the Flora of Rangpur District, Bangladesh

This study demonstrates that the vascular flora of the Rangpur district area consists of 825 species under 537 genera and 139 families. The pteridophytes and gymnosperms are represented by 25 and seven species, respectively, whereas the angiosperms by 793 species including 582 species of dicotyledons (Magnoliopsida) and 211 species of monocotyledons (Liliopsida). Poaceae with 67 species, representing 8.12% of the flora, is appeared as the largest family, and followed by Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Araceae, Malvaceae and Euphorbiaceae that collectively constitute 17.94% of this flora. Persicaria comprising 10 species is recorded as the largest genus, and followed by Ficus, Euphorbia, Solanum, Albizia and Brassica. About 59.71% taxa of this flora are herbs, 21.71% trees, 14.72% shrubs and the rest are palms, lianas, and bamboos. Erect herbs forming 35.22% of the flora comprise the most common life-form. In this flora, almost 64.29% taxa are native and the rest 35.71% are exotic. Nearly 62.61% taxa of the flora are found in wild, 26.90% as planted and 10.49% as cultivated. About 35.46% of the species commonly occur throughout all upazilas of this district. Most of the species are harboured in fallow lands, roadsides, gardens, and homesteads. All species of this district flora are known as economically useful. Most of its habitats and ecosystems are exposed to different threats. Adequate measures with effective management plans should be adopted and implemented for the sustainable use, improvement and conservation of this precious flora. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(2): 329-365, 2021 (December)

Annotated checklist of the flora of Sverdlovsk Region. Part VII: Dicotyledonous plants (Asteraceae, Cichorioideae)

This article for the first time presents a detailed checklist of the flora of dicotyledonous plants (Asteraceae, Cichorioideae) of Sverdlovsk Region, based on the long-term filed research, a critical study of herbarium materials and literature sources. Part VII of the checklist includes 91 species and 6 interspecific hybrids of wild plants. The information on all the species is given on the occurrence in botanical-geographical districts and administrative districts of the region. In the checklist for species bioecological features are indicated (life form according to K. Raunkiaer and I. G. Serebryakov, coenotic groups and ecological groups in relation to moistning), zonal and longitudinal arealogic group, economic significance. As for the alien species, origin, migration thecnique, and level of naturalization achieved in the region are additionally indicated. Species that need protection in the region are noted.

Study of ALDH from Thermus thermophilus–Expression, Purification and Characterisation of the Non-Substrate Specific, Thermophilic Enzyme Displaying Both Dehydrogenase and Esterase Activity

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH), found in all kingdoms of life, form a superfamily of enzymes that primarily catalyse the oxidation of aldehydes to form carboxylic acid products, while utilising the cofactor NAD(P)+. Some superfamily members can also act as esterases using p-nitrophenyl esters as substrates. The ALDHTt from Thermus thermophilus was recombinantly expressed in E. coli and purified to obtain high yields (approximately 15–20 mg/L) and purity utilising an efficient heat treatment step coupled with IMAC and gel filtration chromatography. The use of the heat treatment step proved critical, in its absence decreased yield of 40% was observed. Characterisation of the thermophilic ALDHTt led to optimum enzymatic working conditions of 50 °C, and a pH of 8. ALDHTt possesses dual enzymatic activity, with the ability to act as a dehydrogenase and an esterase. ALDHTt possesses broad substrate specificity, displaying activity for a range of aldehydes, most notably hexanal and the synthetic dialdehyde, terephthalaldehyde. Interestingly, para-substituted benzaldehydes could be processed efficiently, but ortho-substitution resulted in no catalytic activity. Similarly, ALDHTt displayed activity for two different esterase substrates, p-nitrophenyl acetate and p-nitrophenyl butyrate, but with activities of 22.9 and 8.9%, respectively, compared to the activity towards hexanal.

Invasive alien plants in Bangladesh: taxonomic inventory, impact assessment and management issues

The establishment of a database of naturalized species is the first step in understanding the development and spread of invasion, and serves as a stepping-stone for further detailed studies on the biology and impact of individual species on the ecosystem. Preliminary dataset for such a database of Bangladesh is provided here. The inventory of invasive alien flora comprises of 54 species from 48 genera and 24 families. 54% species originate from South America, 17% from Tropical Asia, Tropical Africa and North America - 5% each, Australia and the Mediterranean region - 2% each and China - 1%. With regard to life form representation, herbs constitute the largest share (63%), followed by trees (13%), shrubs (9%), climbers (8%) and grass (7%). Combating plant Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Bangladesh is very difficult due to the absence of (1) a cataloged list of identified plant IAS, (2) properly carried out case studies on economic and ecological impacts, (3) unstructured programs on management efforts, (4) awareness campaigns and (5) and coordination between different nodal ministries and agencies. As combating IAS requires an integrated approach, all relevant departments must integrate their approaches, establish a national focal point, education and strictly monitor and implement legal instruments.

The application of Landsat imageries and mangrove vegetation index for monitoring mangrove community in Segara Anakan Lagoon, Cilacap, Central Java

The only place for estuarine-mangroves in Java Island, Segara Anakan Lagoon, experiences the vast decline of mangrove cover. Satellite remote sensing has a critical role in monitoring that change as it allows to record vast areas over time. However, most studies tend to utilize satellite data to investigate the change of mangrove areas into other land-use types rather than identify the mangrove community’s shifting. This study utilized the mangrove vegetation index (MVI) for monitoring the changes of mangrove communities at the life-form level using satellite data. The study used multi-temporal Landsat images as it has historical systematic archive data. The threshold value of the index for each class is defined by referring to the field data. The class referred to the life-form classification consisting of mangrove trees, Nypa, and understorey. The image analysis was conducted using Google Earth Engine (GEE), while R software was used for determining threshold values through statistical analysis. The result shows that the MVI can differentiate between some life forms of mangroves, with the overall accuracy reaching 78.79% and a kappa coefficient of 0.729. Further, the multi-temporal maps showed the decline of mangrove tree areas, which the understorey and Nypa community have replaced.

Life form, diversity, and spatial distribution of macroalgae in Komodo National Park waters, East Nusa Tenggara

Komodo National Park is one of the favorite destinations for both domestic and international marine tourism. Marine tourism activities have caused environmental changes and impact on fisheries and marine resources. Macroalgae were also affected by the environmental changes, so management of macroalgae was required. Ecological data of macroalgae can be used as baseline data for coastal area management. The study aimed to determine the life form, species composition, spatial distribution, and ecological aspects of macroalgae assemblages in Komodo National Park waters. The study was conducted in September 2013, in eight locations, namely Setuga, Komodo Karang Makasar, Padar Kecil, Padar, Papagarang, Mangaitan, and Muntia island. Macroalgae samples were collected by the quadratic transect method. The data analyzed were Sorensen’s similarities. A total of 42 species of macroalgae were recorded, consisting of three Phylum: Chlorophyta (19 species), Ochrophyta (8 species), and Rhodophyta (15 species). Epilithic was the dominant life form of macroalgae. In general, macroalgae can be stably attached to hard substrates. The highest macroalgae diversity was found on Mangaitan Island (22 species). Halimeda and Amphiroa were macroalgae that can be found in almost all locations. Setuga Island had similar macroalgae with both Mangaitan and Muntia islands. The differences in the number of macroalgae species were influenced by environmental pressure, topography, and substrate profile. Management of macroalgae resources was needed to maintain the sustainability of the macroalgae ecosystem.