Abstract:
Herbivory is a natural mechanisms for adjustment of tree growth, form, survivorship, and reproductive
output of forest ecology including in mangrove ecosystem. The purpose of this study was to compare
herbivory and insect diversity in various growth stages of Avicennia Sp. related with restoration of
mangrove ecosystem. The research was carried out four months (July-October 2020) in Pagatan Besar
mangrove ecosystem in Tanah Laut District, South Kalimantan Province. The results showed that marginal
pattern is the most leaf attack case, both in every plant growth stages (39-68%) and canopy (53-58%) of
Avicennia Sp. The highest average of leaf damage was found in lower canopy (3.06%), and the growth
stage of seedling (3.62%). Herbivory most often found at lower canopy (3.17%) and seedling life stages
(3.76%) of Avicennia Sp. It was found about 13 species of insects in all growth stages of Avicennia Sp.
with the highest Biodiversity Index found in seedling (0.753). Insects function on all life stages of Avicennia
Sp. was dominated by predator.
Keywords: Avicennia, herbivory, insect, mangroves
