Jakarta, indomaritim.com – Researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have called for stronger conservation efforts to protect the endangered mangrove species Camptostemon philippinensis in Balikpapan Bay, East Kalimantan.
The species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is protected under Indonesian law.
According to Antara News Agency, the mangrove has been found in coastal areas of Pantai Lango and Kowangan Island in Penajam Paser Utara district.
BRIN researcher Istiana Prihatini said the presence of the rare mangrove highlighted the ecological importance of Balikpapan Bay.
“The presence of C. philippinensis in Balikpapan Bay shows that the area has significant biodiversity value and deserves serious conservation attention,” she said on Sunday.
According to Prihatini, the species faces serious threats from human activities, including land conversion, pollution, and illegal logging.
Its habitat is limited to relatively narrow mangrove areas near residential settlements, making the species highly vulnerable.
“The habitat of C. philippinensis is very limited. Habitat damage could increase the risk of local extinction,” she warned.
Researchers also suspect an ecological relationship between the mangrove and the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), an endemic and protected primate in Kalimantan.
Field observations found bite marks believed to be from primates on the mangrove leaves, while local fishermen also reported sightings of proboscis monkey groups near the habitat.
The mangrove grows in secondary mangrove zones with predominantly sandy soils and tidal flooding, alongside species such as Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia alba, Lumnitzera littorea, and Xylocarpus granatum.
The research team recommended stronger conservation measures, including habitat protection, restoration of degraded mangrove areas, preservation of genetic material, and ex-situ conservation through plant cultivation. (RR)
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