Diameter increment and growth rate of selected tree species in Kuala Keniam, Taman Negara Pahang

Information on diameter increment and growth pattern of tree species is very crucial in silvicultural practices and forest management especially in the natural forests. This study dealt with an analysis of tree growth rate in lowland forests of Taman Negara Pahang at Kuala Keniam. For this purpose, a total of 105 individual trees distributed along five transect lines measuring at 100 m × 20 m were selected. The selected trees consist of ten dominant species extracted from inventory data. The trees were categorized into two timber classes viz light hardwood (six species) and medium hardwood (four species). The diameter at breast height (DBH) of the trees was measured in the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. To determine the diameter increment and growth rates, the DBH of trees was re-measured and compared between species and timber classes. Statistical analysis performed indicated that there is no significant difference in the means of diameter increment and the growth rate between species and between timber classes (P≥0.05). Comparison among tree species indicated that Aglaia sp. and Teijsmanniodendron coriaceum recorded the highest and lowest diameter increments, respectively. In addition, light hardwood trees exhibited higher increment in diameter than medium hardwood, however, the difference is not statistically significant. The information in this study may be useful to provide baseline information in the planning and conservation efforts of tree species in protected area such as Taman Negara.