Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 222529482

Saving a critically endangered tropical pitcher plant Nepenthes rigidifolia

Nepenthes rigidifolia is an endemic Nepenthes to Sumatra. This Nepenthes was firstly identified by Pitra Akhriadi and his partners in 2003. The characteristic of N. rigidifolia lies on its rigid leaves, in addition to a unique pattern and scarlet color in its peristome. Such uniqueness makes Nepenthes lovers compete with each other to own it, resulting in the overexploitation of N. rigidifolia which suppresses the population in its natural habitat. On the other hand, forest degradation also increases the threat to this species. Therefore, N. rigidifolia is included in a list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN red list) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The objectives of this case study are as follows:

1. Understand the ecology, current population, threats of this species

2. Reassess the conservation status based on IUCN

3. Prioritize the conservation areas of this species

4. Raise public awareness

5. Securing the individuals of targeted plant through ex-situ conservation strategies