PRELIMINARY STUDY OF NEPENTHES SPECIES IN BANJARAN UNDAN, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

Nabilah Huda, Mohd Hisham and Meekiong, Kalu and Hashimah, Elias and Dency Flenny, Augustine Gawin (2023) PRELIMINARY STUDY OF NEPENTHES SPECIES IN BANJARAN UNDAN, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA. The Malaysian Forester, 86 (1). pp. 190-199. ISSN 0302-2935

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Abstract

Nepenthes is a carnivorous plant with a current record of 160-180 species worldwide. The geographical distribution of Nepenthes is restricted to tropical areas, and most of them are found in the Malesian region. Its peculiar characteristics with different shapes and colours are portrayed by leaf modifications called pitchers. The pitchers are developed for living adaptation in poor soil conditions. Currently, in Sarawak, there are 33 taxa recorded and all are listed as Protected Plants under the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. Banjaran Undan is located near the community area and Pan Borneo Highway in Bau, Kuching Division with elevations 350–500 m above sea level. Surveys and studies of Nepenthes in Banjaran Undan were conducted along three different trails: Stenggang Dam trail, Sepadah Dam trail, and Foothill trail. The objective of this study is to provide baseline data of unique plants (including Nepenthes) as keystone genera for the conservation and protection of the Banjaran Undan. The distribution survey based on altitude was conducted every 100 m and the ecology of each Nepenthes species was described. All Nepenthes species in the surveyed areas were collected, identified and photographed for further analysis. Currently, there are six Nepenthes species were encountered at altitudes between 100–250 m which are N. ampullaria, N. gracilis, N.hirsuta, N. hispida, N. mirabilis, and N. rafflesiana. As the project is ongoing, and more areas are to be surveyed, potentially more taxa will be added to the list. Keywords: Ecology, Nepenthaceae, pitcher plant, western Sarawak

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