Muslim T, Sari UK, Yassir I. 2017. The dominant species of herpetofauna in the coal mining area at East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 773-779. Changing of habitat condition influences the variety of species including Herpetofauna. Herpetofauna is one of the components in the ecosystem that plays an important role, both from the ecological and economical aspect. From the ecological aspect, it has a specific role in the food chain, and it can also be used as a bio-indicator of the environment’s condition. Furthermore, herpetofauna found in reclamation area of coal mining not only stabilizes the ecosystem in the food chain, but also it can be used as a bioindicator of environment changes and the success rate of reclamation. The aim of this research was to find out the community of herpetofauna comprising and dominating the coal mining reclamation area, especially the wet and dry areas. The research location was located at PT. Singlurus Pratama Kalimantan Timur. The methods used in this research were visual encounter survey and patch sampling. This research found 10 species from 5 families of reptiles and 11 species from 6 families of amphibians. The highest dominant index score for reptile was 0.71, found in the fragmented forests. Meanwhile, the dominant reptile species were Eutropis multifasciata (20 individuals), Enhydris enhydris (4 individuals), and Dendrelaphis pictus (4 individuals). The highest dominant index score for amphibian was 1, found in the settling pond. Moreover, the dominant amphibian species were Polypedates leucomystax (42 individuals) and Fejervarya cancrivora (41 individuals). These two species were the ones able to survive in the degraded areas and they were easily found in the areas with disrupted habitats.

Mukhlisi, Ningsih TS, Sari UK, Kurniawan Y, Setiawan R, Muslim A. 2018. Habitat utilization of the Sumatran rhinos (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni) in Kutai Barat forest, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 1842-1850. Sumatran rhino population in Kutai Barat forest faces a high threat of extinction. Conservation efforts can be developed more effectively and efficiently by understanding the condition of their natural habitat. This study aimed to analyze various factors influencing habitat utilization of the Sumatran rhino in Kalimantan, specifically in Kutai Barat forest. We used past survey data of rhino presence carried out by WWF from 2014 to 2016. GPS coordinates were recorded for all signs of rhinos, such as camera trap images, footprints, bites mark on food plant, dung piles, urine, scratch, twisting, and lying signs. Rhino occurrence GPS coordinates were plotted on a map of the Sumatran rhino's habitat distribution in Kutai Barat using a grid of 2 x 2 km2 size. Spatial analyses were run using ArcGIS 10.6. We used a habitat selection index formula to analyze habitat preference and biner logistic regression to develop Resources Selection Function (RSF). We found that the preferred habitat of the Sumatran rhino was in the secondary forest with medium and high vegetation densities. The most influential habitat variables on the presence of Sumatran rhinoceros in the Kutai Barat forest were the slope and distance from wallow. The Sumatran rhinoceros were more likely to be found in the sloping areas and the areas closer to the wallows.

Background: Dayak Ga'ai, who lived in Berau, East Kalimantan, has rich ethnobotanical knowledge reflecting their deep connection with nature. Ethnobotanical knowledge in Dayak Ga'ai communities does not exist in the form of comprehensive documentation; it is only passed down orally, so it is at high risk of being lost. Documenting and preserving this knowledge is crucial for cultural and environmental conservation. Methods: This study employs interview methodologies utilizing purposive sampling. We conducted interviews with 70 respondents from five villages. The questions encompass respondent characteristics and ethnobotanical aspects of local wisdom knowledge. We additionally investigated and cataloged the plant. The Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Cultural Significance Index (ICS) are ethnobotanical indexes employed for data analysis. Results: The results show that 169 species belonging to 56 families are known and utilized in the live of Dayak Ga’ay community. Categorized into revealed that 13 species are used for cultural purposes, 15 species for handicrafts, 114 species for traditional medicine, 67 species for food, and 38 species for traditional tools and equipment. There are 7 species in each index, namely Calamus sp. (RFC = 0.61; UV = 2.46; ICS = 36), Goniothalamus macrophyllus (RFC = 0.56; UV = 2.78; ICS = 46), Eusideroxylon zwageri (RFC = 0.46; UV = 1.37; ICS = 15), Vitex pinnata (RFC = 0.41; UV = 0.83; ICS = 15), Shorea sp. (RFC = 0.37; UV = 1.48; ICS = 17), Licuala spinosa (RFC = 0.31; UV = 1.57; ICS = 40), and Curcuma longa (RFC = 0.30; UV = 0.60; ICS = 18). They found plants in forests, gardens, and yards. Conclusions: The Ga'ai Dayak utilize diverse plants. Nevertheless, the ethnobotanical knowledge of these plants is decreasing due to modernization, migration, and deforestation. It is necessary to conserve natural resources and incorporate ancient knowledge into contemporary conservation and educational initiatives. Keywords: Ethnobotany; Dayak Ga’ai; Traditional knowledge, Cultural heritage, Berau

Fungi in tropical ecosystems remain an understudied yet critical component of climate change mitigation, particularly within the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. This review highlights their dual role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by regulating carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxides (N₂O) while enhancing long-term carbon sequestration. Mycorrhizal fungi are pivotal in maintaining soil integrity, facilitating nutrient cycling, and amplifying carbon storage capacity through symbiotic mechanisms. We synthesize how fungal symbiotic systems under LULUCF shape ecosystem networks and note that, in pristine ecosystems, these networks are resilient. We introduce the concept of Nature-based Culture (NbC) to describe symbiotic self-cultures sustaining ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Case studies demonstrate how the NbC concept is applied in reforestation strategies such as AeroHydro Culture (AHC), the Integrated Mangrove Sowing System (IMSS), and the 4N approach (No Plastic, No Burning, No Chemical Fertilizer, Native Species). These approaches leverage mycorrhizal networks to improve restoration outcomes in peatlands, mangroves, and semi-arid regions while minimizing land disturbance and chemical inputs. Therefore, by bridging fungal ecology with LULUCF policy, this review advocates for a paradigm shift in forest management that integrates fungal symbioses to strengthen carbon storage, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being.

Shorea balangeran (Korth.) Burck is widely distributed in Southeast Asian peat swamp forests although it is not endemic to this habitat type. This study examines the ecological and biological characteristics and interactions of S. balangeran in peat swamp forests, and in particular its interactions with co-occurring species and its capacity for adaptation to challenging environmental conditions. The study addresses key questions relating to the soil characteristics in areas where S. balangeran thrives, the nature of associations with commonly co-occurring species, and how the findings might inform peatland restoration strategies. Vegetation data, soil samples and species association records arising from field surveys conducted in a peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, were analysed. S. balangeran was found to be the second most dominant species in the area, and to show positive associations with other species such as Gonystylus bancanus and Cratoxylum arborescens , suggesting shared habitat preferences or environmental tolerances. S. balangeran was commonly found in moderately acidic soils with high organic matter and low nutrient content, indicating its adaptability to nutrient-poor conditions. These findings highlight ecological characteristics of S. balangeran that may commend it for use in peatland restoration programs. However, further research is needed to fully understand its role in ecosystem functioning and resilience.

Heath forests, known as kerangas, are ecologically distinct and fragile ecosystems characterized by nutrient-poor, sandy soils and a high degree of species endemism. The Kersik Luway Nature Reserve (KLNR) in East Kalimantan is one of the remaining kerangas forests in Indonesia. However, it is increasingly threatened by land-use change, forest degradation, and climate change. In response to these pressures, this study proposes an integrated conservation approach using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to assess and monitor vegetation density and dynamics over time. Temporal Landsat 8 imagery spanning from 2018 to 2024 was utilized for data analysis. Results demonstrate a steady decrease in NDVI values in KLNR. The eastern region, in particular, undergoes year-to-year fluctuations, indicating an increase in ecological susceptibility. The high vegetation density class has significantly decreased to only 0.4 ha by 2024. The trend indicates a notable decline in vegetation quality, warranting further studies to ensure the conservation of KLNR. These spatial patterns support the development of targeted conservation actions. The KLNR management has suggested converting a section of the conservation area into a natural tourism zone. Strategies such as enrichment planting, access control, and fire prevention are implemented in high-risk zones to support these efforts. The proposed approach offers a practical and scalable model for monitoring and managing heath forest ecosystems. The NDVI-based conservation approach improves adaptive management capabilities in KLNR. It provides a replicable model for kerangas protection in other parts facing similar ecological challenges.