Nepenthes ampullaria in Telaga Village Forest: An Indicator of Peat Swamp Ecosystem Health

Pitcher plants (Nepenthes) are the only genus in the family Nepenthaceae and are known as carnivorous plants whose leaves are modified into pitchers containing fluid used to trap and digest prey, primarily insects and other arthropods (Moran & Clarke, 2010). In botanical studies, the term “pitcher plants” is also used for other groups with similar traps, such as Cephalotus (family Cephalotaceae) and several members of the Sarraceniaceae and Bromeliaceae families.

Globally, the number of described Nepenthes species is estimated at around 160–180, distributed mainly in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, with the highest concentrations in Sundaland, including Borneo and Sumatra (Murphy et al., 2020; Mansur, 2013). The fluid inside Nepenthes pitchers is typically acidic and viscous, containing enzymes and microbial communities that break down prey and supply nutrients—especially nitrogen—to plants growing in nutrient-poor soils (Moran & Clarke, 2010).

Beyond their unique morphology and physiology, pitcher plants offer various ecological benefits and potential uses. Ecologically, Nepenthes act as natural regulators of insect populations and serve as environmental indicators in ecosystems that are humid, have relatively stable temperatures, and are nutrient-poor (Mansur, 2013). Several studies also highlight the potential use of Nepenthes extracts in traditional medicine and as antimicrobial agents (Mansur, 2013; Eilenberg et al., 2010). Thus, Nepenthes are not only important for ecosystem balance but also hold promise for bioprospecting and biodiversity-based local economic development.

Diversity and Distribution of Nepenthes in Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the world’s most important centers of Nepenthes diversity. Taxonomic reviews report at least 68 Nepenthes species in the country, most of which are endemic to specific islands such as Borneo, Sumatra, and Papua (Mansur, 2013). This diversity makes Indonesia a key region for global pitcher plant conservation.

Borneo holds a special position as the center of Nepenthes diversity in Indonesia. Numerous studies record many Nepenthes species on the island, including endemic groups found only in specific habitat types such as peat swamp forests and heath forests (Clarke, 1997; Mansur, 2013). This highlights the importance of Borneo as a conservation priority area for Nepenthes.

The habitats of Nepenthes are highly varied, encompassing lowland and montane rainforests, peat swamp forests, heath forests, limestone mountains (karst), savannas, riverbanks, and lake edges (Mansur, 2013; Clarke & Moran, 2016). Generally, Nepenthes occur on acidic, nutrient-poor substrates with high humidity and abundant groundwater. These characteristics make Nepenthes valuable indicators of vulnerable ecosystems that are highly sensitive to environmental change (Moran & Clarke, 2010; Clarke & Moran, 2016).

Telaga Village Forest as a Habitat for Pitcher Plants

Telaga Village Forest (HD Telaga) in Katingan District, Central Kalimantan, is an important example of a relatively intact lowland peat swamp ecosystem. HD Telaga covers about ± 2,758 ha, with flat topography at 7–22 m above sea level, dominated by secondary peat swamp forest and swamp shrubs. The area functions as a water catchment for the Kelaru River within the Katingan Watershed (DAS Katingan), giving it strategic hydrological importance for surrounding communities and landscapes.

Its acidic peat soils, high humidity, and relatively closed forest canopy provide suitable microhabitats for various Nepenthes species.

Biodiversity surveys in HD Telaga recorded several Nepenthes species, including Nepenthes ampullaria Jack, which is relatively common in forested peat swamp habitats. This species prefers areas with high humidity, stable water availability, and medium–high shading. These conditions match observations from peat swamp and heath forests in Pematang Gadung, West Kalimantan, where N. ampullaria was reported as one of the species with high density and ecological importance (Moran et al., 2003; Utari et al., 2023).

The presence of N. ampullaria in HD Telaga strengthens the conservation value of the area, both as a biodiversity refuge and as an example of community-based forest management in peat swamp ecosystems.

Nepenthes ampullaria: Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status

Nepenthes ampullaria is a pitcher plant species widely distributed across Malesia, from southern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, Maluku, to New Guinea, especially in lowland tropical forests (Kew, 2023). Ecologically, this species is known as semi-detritivorous: its low, ground-level pitchers collect more leaf litter than insects, deriving nutrition from a mix of detritus and small animals (Moran et al., 2003; Andrews et al., 2022).

In Indonesia, N. ampullaria is found in peat swamp forests, heath forests, and sandy lowland forests, preferring moist, shaded, nutrient-poor sites. In some peat swamp locations, it occurs at high densities and forms an important component of vegetation structure (Mansur, 2013; Utari et al., 2023).

With its semi-detritivorous habit, wide distribution, and role in community structure, N. ampullaria can be viewed as a key species for assessing peat swamp ecosystem health as well as a strategic focus for site-level education and conservation programs.

Threats and the Importance of Conservation in Telaga Village Forest

Despite its wide distribution, local Nepenthes populations including N. ampullaria are highly vulnerable to environmental change, particularly in sensitive peat swamp ecosystems. In Borneo, major threats include deforestation, land conversion to plantations and mining, peat drainage and degradation, forest fires, and unregulated harvesting. In peat swamps, hydrological disruption and reduced forest cover quickly lower humidity and alter the microhabitats required by Nepenthes to thrive (Clarke & Moran, 2016; Utari et al., 2023).

According to the IUCN Red List, N. ampullaria is currently categorized as Least Concern due to its wide distribution and presence within various protected areas (IUCN, 2018). However, habitat pressure and local population declines, especially outside protected zones remain significant.

In this context, Telaga Village Forest holds strategic importance as a key site for sustaining populations of N. ampullaria and other Nepenthes species in the Katingan landscape.

In Indonesia, Nepenthes are protected under Law No. 5/1990 on the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation P.20/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/6/2018 concerning Protected Plant and Animal Species. This means that conserving N. ampullaria in HD Telaga aligns with national legal frameworks and species conservation policies.

Although not globally threatened, the presence of N. ampullaria in Telaga Village Forest has significant ecological, educational, and socio-economic value. This species can serve as:

• A recognizable local conservation icon that attracts community interest

• An environmental education tool to explain the importance of peat swamp ecosystems and the risks of climate change and fires

• A basis for developing ecotourism and research, which if managed carefully can provide economic benefits while strengthening conservation efforts

Community-based conservation in HD Telaga can become a model of natural resource management that ensures the preservation of pitcher plant diversity and its supporting ecosystems for future generations.

References

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Eilenberg H, Pnini-Cohen S, Rahamim Y, Sionov E, Segal E, Carmeli S, Zilberstein A. 2010. Induced production of antifungal naphthoquinones in the pitchers of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes khasiana. Journal of Experimental Botany. 61(3):911–922.

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Utari N, Sulistijorini, Ariyanti NS. 2023. Autecology of Nepenthes spp. in peat swamp and heath forest Pematang Gadung, West Kalimantan. Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology. 8(2):e81351.