Ecological characteristics and ecosystem services of deciduous dipterocarp forest under community-based management in the lower eastern region of Thailand

Community-based forest management is recognized for its contribution to biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services that sustain local livelihoods. This study advances sustainable community forest management by systematically evaluating ecological characteristics and ecosystem services relevant to livelihoods and climate change mitigation. Sixty-six sampling plots were established within the Ban Na Ngam Community Forest. Species composition and diversity were assessed using the importance value index (IVI) and diversity indices. Biomass was estimated through allometric equations, and carbon stocks were subsequently calculated. The social and economic values of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) were also evaluated using semi-structured interviews with 70 residents. The forest is classified as a secondary deciduous dipterocarp forest, with 85 woody species from 34 families identified. Based on the highest IVI, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Cratoxylum cochinchinense, and Sindora siamensis were identified as ecologically significant at the tree, sapling, and seedling stages, respectively. The Shannon diversity index reached a maximum value of 3.43 at the tree stage. Total biomass and carbon stock were 117.64 tons ha-1 and 55.29 tons C ha-1, respectively. Harvesting activities yielded 107 plant, mushroom, and animal species providing NTFPs. The five most culturally significant plant species, as determined by the cultural importance index (CI), were Curcuma parviflora, Amorphophallus macrophyllus, Cratoxylum formosum, Curcuma angustifolia, and Albizia procera. Among mushroom species, Amanita spp. and Termitomyces spp. were particularly prominent. Two animal species, Oecophylla smaragdina and Apis sp., were also utilized. The total net income from NTFPs was estimated at USD 14,787.65 per year for the community. These findings provide comprehensive insights into ecological conditions and the socio-economic functions of community forest resources, thereby supporting the development of a master plan for their sustainable use and conservation.