ECODIVERSITY FOR FORESTRY PRODUCTS OTHER THAN WOOD IN SPECIAL- USE FORESTS - SOP COP, SON LA PROVINCE

Abstract

Non-timber products - an important part of the ecosystem- have a significant role in local livelihood, culture, and economic development. This research is conducted to assess the diversity of species composition and taxons, their life forms, used parts, and the value of non-timber products of Sop Cop Special-Use forest. Methods employed in the study include interview, quadrat, species identification, diversity analysis, and usage value classification. The research recorded 332 species, 246 genera, and 110 families belonging to 5 plant phyla: Lycopodiophyta, Equisetophyta, Polypodiophyta, Pinophyta, and Magnoliophyta. The non-timber products exploited by the locals have 9 different functions. Leaves, stems, fruits, and blooms are the most commonly used parts; the non-tim er products‟ life forms encompass Grass and Shru s, which are eing exploited and utilized by the people.