Incorporating ecological context: a revised protocol for the preservation of <I>Nepenthes</I> pitcher plant specimens (<I>Nepenthaceae</I>)

<I>Nepenthes baramensis</I> (<I>Nepenthaceae</I>) – a new species from north-western Borneo

“…The present study adds to the findings of Clarke & Moran (2011) who noted that several unique ecological relationships between highly-specialized Nepenthes species and various species of animals are facilitated by modifications to pitcher characters. However, these traits either went unnoticed, or were considered unimportant or insufficiently consistent, in previous taxonomic accounts (e.g., Danser 1928, Cheek & Jebb 2001, Clarke et al 2010.…”

“…However, these traits either went unnoticed, or were considered unimportant or insufficiently consistent, in previous taxonomic accounts (e.g., Danser 1928, Cheek & Jebb 2001, Clarke et al 2010. A possible explanation for this is that important ecological interactions with animals may be facilitated by minor modifications to trap characteristics (Clarke et al 2010, Clarke & Moran 2011, and without the support of ecological data, the taxonomic importance of these traits is easily overlooked (especially when similar traits in other species vary to greater degrees, despite having no known ecological function). Our interpretation of the status of N. baramensis is based on both ecology and plant morphology; by linking the two, we confer taxonomic value on morphological variations that might otherwise seem unimportant.…”

Nepenthes Diversity and Abundance in Five Habitats in Brunei Darussalam

“…In this study, only terrestrial Nepenthes species were recorded but not epiphytic Nepenthes species due to limited access. Voucher specimens of all Nepenthes species, including possible hybrids, were collected and prepared as herbarium specimens following the guidelines of Clarke & Moran (2011). Representative samples of the intact pitcher of each species collected was also preserved in ethanol and high quality photographs were taken of the upper and lower pitchers to record details of pitcher geometry for identification purposes (Clarke & Moran, 2011).…”

Phylogenetic analysis of niche divergence reveals distinct evolutionary histories and climate change implications for tropical carnivorous pitcher plants

“…High niche diversity on mountains occurs within close distances, providing habitat potential for species with especially low dispersal ability such as Nepenthes. Their environment has contributed and continues to play an important role in determining geographical distributions within the genus (Clarke & Moran, 2011;Moran et al, 2013). N. ampullaria and N. mirabilis), thus increasing accessibility to nearby habitat diversity.…”

“…Our ENMs predicted potentially suitable habitat of Nepenthes species with significant confidence (P < 0.05). Their environment has contributed and continues to play an important role in determining geographical distributions within the genus (Clarke & Moran, 2011;Moran et al, 2013). We defined suitable habitat based on climate and soil characteristics and projected how the spatial distribution of suitable habitat may be altered by climate change.…”