Habitat for biodiversity

Peatlands are a good habitat for a variety of flora and fauna species, and some are rare species that need to be protected. Tropical peatlands, such as in Indonesia, have the highest flora diversity compared to other peatlands in other parts of the world. 

Some plants that can be found in peatlands include pulai, jelutung, durian, payena leerii, jambuan, lightweight hardwood, Sulawesi ebony, and nutmeg. The most cultivated plant in Kalimantan’s peat forests and some areas of Sumatra is the ramin tree, a type of expensive luxury timber that is typically used for making furniture.

Meanwhile, some rare wildlife species that one can encounter in peatlands include orangutan (Pongo spp.), the red langur (Presbytis rubicunda), the Borneo clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi borneensis), the Storm’s stork (Ciconia stormi), and the white-winged duck (Asarcornis scutulata). In addition, sinyulong crocodiles, Sumatran tigers, sun bears, tapirs can also be found on peatlands.