Peat Swamp Ecosystem Research Articles

Remote Sensing for Restoration Change Monitoring in Tropical Peat Swamp Forests in Malaysia

Effective planning and management strategies for restoring and conserving tropical peat swamp ecosystems require accurate and timely estimates of aboveground biomass (AGB), especially when monitoring the impacts of restoration interventions. The aim of this research is to assess changes in AGB and evaluate the effectiveness of restoration efforts in the North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest (NSPSF), one of the largest remaining peat swamp forests in Peninsular Malaysia, using advanced remote sensing techniques. A Random Forest machine learning method was employed to upscale AGB estimates, derived from a ‘LiDAR AGB model’, to larger landscape-scale areas with Sentinel-2 spectral and textural variables. The time period under investigation (2015–2018) marked a concentrated phase of restoration and regeneration efforts in NSPSF. The results demonstrate an overall increase in tropical peat swamp AGB during these years, where the total amount of estimated AGB stored in NSPSF increased from 19.3 Tg in 2015 to an estimated 19.8 Tg in 2018. The research found that a tailored variable selection approach improved predictions of AGB, with optimised input variables (n = 62) and parameter adjustments producing a good plausible result (R2 = 0.80; RMSE = 55.2 Mg/ha). This paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of long-term studies (>5 years) for analyzing the success of tropical peat swamp restoration methods, with a potential for integrating remote sensing technology.

Effect of Silica Fume Addition on Mechanical Properties of Concrete in Peat Swamp Water Environment

Hydraulic Portland cement, water, fine and coarse aggregate, and additional ingredients can be added or left out to create concrete. Making and maintaining concrete requires water as a reagent in the cement mixture so that a chemical reaction occurs when it undergoes the hydration process, which is the process where the cement begins to bind the ingredients that make up the concrete and then hardens and forms a solid mass. The need for water in concrete care is to soak it during the hardening process, however, not all types of water can be used. Peat swamp water is water that collects or flows within the peat swamp ecosystem. Peat swamps are a type of swamp formed from organic material accumulated over thousands of years. Silica fume is a material that contains SiO2 greater than 85% and is a very smooth, round material with a diameter of 1/100 the diameter of cement. The swamp water used in this research was taken from Jl. Rappokalling, Tallo District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi. Mix Design uses the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 03-2834-2000 method with a planned concrete quality (f'c) of 25 MPa. Compressive strength tests were performed on concrete that was 7 and 28 days old for split tensile strength, and on the 28-day old concrete for modulus of elasticity. The concrete's compressive strength ratings after 28 days in variations of immersion in normal water and peat swamp water are 25,842 MPa and 20,749 MPa. From the test results, it was found that the average split tensile strength value of concrete for variations in normal water immersion and peat swamp water was 2.545 MPa and 1.886 MPa. From the results of the modulus of elasticity test, it was found that the average concrete in normal water immersion and peat swamp water variations was 19893.961 MPa, and 17109.75 MPa.

Growth of Dyera polyphylla and Shorea balangeran Seedlings on Various Growing Media for Restoration Program

The success of peat swamp ecosystem restoration needs to be supported by the supply of good quality native plant species, one of which is influenced by the growing media. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cocopeat, compost, and biochar as a mixture of peat media on the growth of Dyera polyphylla and Shorea balangeran seedlings in a greenhouse for six months. The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design with one factor, growing media (100% peat as M1 (control); 70% peat + 30% cocopeat as M2; 70% peat + 30% compost as M3; and 70% peat + biochar 30% as M4). The survival rate of both types of seedlings in all growing media treatments was 100%. Dickson Quality Index (DQI) of D. polyphylla seedlings on M1, M2, M3, and M4 was 0.32, 0.29, 0.46, and 0.31, respectively, and for S. balangeran was 0.15, 0.10, 0.09, and 0.12, respectively. Adding cocopeat, compost, and biochar could increase the nutrient content of peat media. The growing media with the best quality for D. polyphylla was M3, while for S. balangeran was M1. Keywords: Dickson Quality Index, Dyera polyphylla, growing media, growth response, Shorea balangeran

Bird Diversity in Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve, Johor and Implications on Peat Swamp Forest Management Strategies

Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve (AHUFR) is the largest and last existing peat swamp forest in Johor. Peat swamp forest are known to be very important as it serve as a home to variety of flora and fauna, especially the bird species. Other than that, peat swamp forest also prone to forest fire as it become the major threat in Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve during a hot weather or drought (El Nino events). This problem will cause biodiversity loss and threaten bird’s habitat and behaviour since some birds are extremely susceptible to sudden environmental changes. Therefore, effective management need to be implemented on the peat swamp ecosystem in order to conserve the forest as well as the bird species that inhabit the area. Hence, this study was conducted to provide a preliminary checklist of the bird, while identify the threats faced by AHUFR in order to came out with the best management of peat swamp forest to protect the bird and the wildlife in it. The method used in this study are mist-netting, direct observation with the aid of DSLR camera, video camera, binocular, and spotter scope, sound recording and interview with forest ranger for four days. About 15 species was recorded, five species from direct observation and interview method, three species from sound recording, and two species from mist-netting method. From the data, one vulnerable (VU) and near threatened (NT) species was recorded which are Black Hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus) (VU) and Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler (Macronus ptilosus) (NT) respectively. Both are native to peat swamp forest. In terms of threat, forest fire was identified as a common problem occurring in AHUFR. The bird diversity in AHUFR can be threatened by the forest fire if there are no action or management taken to by various parties as well as spreading the awareness among the communities according to this issue. Therefore, this study suggested few recommendations of best practices to manage peat swamp forest of AHUFR.

The Diversity and Potential of Avitourism in Peat Swamp Ecosystem of Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve, Johor

Avitourism is a responsible tourism activity where birdwatchers perform bird-watching, which can be either a hobby or a dedicated practice. Bird-watching is an act of observing and identifying birds in their natural environment. It can be performed by using the naked eye, using binoculars or scope for visual enhancement, listening to bird songs, or using public cams. Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve is a peat swamp forest, a type of tropical moist forest with a dense layer of acidic peat and serves as a habitat for a diverse range of species. This study aims to identify bird species present in Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve and evaluate the potential of avitourism in Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve. A questionnaire was passed to 51 respondents to collect their opinions on developing Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve as an avitourism site. Point count method and mist-netting were performed to record bird species spotted during the sampling period. The sampling has recorded 33 species in total, where there are 2 Vulnerable, 3 Near-Threatened, and 1 Endangered species, and 20 out of 33 species are totally protected under Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. The respondents have given generally positive response and are interested in visiting Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve. Avitourism can potentially benefit Ayer Hitam Utara Forest Reserve economically, socially, and environmentally to local people.

The potential of peatland fires estimated from physical properties for several land uses

The construction of drainage channels following the opening of peat ecosystems without proper water management results in rapid decline of water level in peat swamp ecosystems, which potentially causes fires. Peat land fires triggered by intentional or unintentional human negligence and are supported by long dry season. This research aims to examine the potential of peat land fires based on the physical characteristics of peat on the type of use of secondary forest land, shrub land, and oil palm land. The study was conducted on peat ecosystems for one year using survey methods and field observations. The results of study indicate that changes in peat land use from secondary forests to shrubs and oil palm plantations result in changes in some physical characteristics of peat, namely humification level, bulk density, peat thickness, organic matter content, hydraulic conductivity, and soil water content. The depth of the ground water table affects the ground water content. Potential fires occur on oil palm land and on shrub land from July to September, whereas secondary forest land does not have the potential to cause fire. In order to avoid fires in oil palm and shrub land areas, it is necessary to manage water by maintaining the groundwater level above 50 cm.

Aquatic environmental characteristic of Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve in Aceh Singkil Regency

Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve is a peat swamp ecosystem located in Aceh Singkil Regency, Aceh Province. Peat swamp ecosystem has an important function in protecting and balancing water systems, carbon stocks and biodiversity conservation. However, information on the characteristics of the waters of this ecosystem is still not widely known, especially in the area of utilization that is influenced by community activities. This study aims to determine the aquatic environmental characteristics of the Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve utilization area covering the physical and chemical parameters of the water and the relationship among those parameters. Sampling was carried out through field observations both in-situ and ex-situ at 5 stations for 3 months (April-June 2021). Observations were made on water quality parameters namely temperature, transparency, depth, current, colour, salinity, water smell, pH, DO, TDS, TSS, conductivity, phosphate and nitrate. Analysis of the data was conducted, namely correlation analysis, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and CA (Cluster Analysis). The water color was black and the pH was acidic, that is a characteristic of the swamp waters. The results of the measurement of water quality parameters indicate that TDS (13-44 mg/l), TSS (9-236 mg/l), total phosphate (0.01-2.14 mg/l), and nitrate (0.5-25.7 mg/l) were suitable for freshwater aquaculture to support fishery reserve. Based on the clustering of those stations, 5 observation stations were grouped into two different groups, namely cluster 1 with the number of observation stations of 2 stations (Stations 1 and 2) and cluster 2 with the number of observation stations of 3 stations (3, 4 and 5). The parameter values of total phosphate, pH, DO, and nitrate in cluster 1 tend were higher than in cluster 2.Keywords:Peat swampFreshwaterWater quality

Community perception of sustainable peat swamp ecosystem conservation in Buntoi Village, Kahayan Hilir Sub-District, Central Kalimantan

The sustainability of peat swamp ecosystem management requires conservation efforts to prevent the exploitative and destructive utilization of the ecosystem. The real action efforts of conservation activities are closely related to the support from the surrounding peat forest community. The purpose of the study is to determine the level of community perception of peat ecosystem conservation. The method used is quantitative descriptive, with score intervals using the Likert scale. The study results show that respondents’ characteristics indicate that respondents’ economic value is in line with the length of stay in Buntoi Village. The value of three indicator community perception is in the high and very high categories. The study results show that the knowledge category of peat ecosystem conservation ranges from 948-1368 (high-very high), the response ranges from 1224-1572 (very high), and community attitude scores from 1260-1584 (very high). Respondents who live > 20 years stated that it is very important to carry out conservation activities. Community perception is agreed and very agree towards conservation efforts in the sustainable use of peat ecosystem. They are ready to participate in all forms of activities, both in private and government programs.

Biomass estimation model for peat swamp forest ecosystem using light detection and ranging

Peat swamp forest plays a very important role in absorbing and storing large amounts of terrestrial carbon, both above ground and in the soil. There has been a lot of research on the estimation of the amount of biomass above the ground, but a little on peat swamp ecosystems using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology, especially in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to build a biomass estimation model based on LiDAR data. This technology can obtain information about the structure and characteristics of any vegetation in detail and in real time. Data was obtained from the East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan. Biomass field was generated from the available allometry, and Point cloud of LiDAR was extracted into canopy cover (CC), and data on tree height, using the FRCI and local maxima (LM) method, respectively. The CC and tree height data were then used as independent variables in building the regression model. The best-fitted model was obtained after the scoring and ranking of several regression forms such as linear, quadratic, power, exponential and logarithmic. This research concluded that the quadratic regression model, with R2 of 72.16 % and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0003% is the best-fitted estimation model (BK). Finally, the biomass value from the models was 244.510 tons/ha.

Struktur Tegakan dan Sebaran Jenis Terentang (Campnosperma auriculata) dan Mendarahan (Knema laurina) di Hutan Rawa Gambut

Peat swamp forests in Indonesia have an important role as a water provider, water storage, carbon storage, and as a place to live for flora and fauna. Terentang (Campnosperma auriculata) and mendarahan (Knema laurina) are some of the main trees in peat swamp ecosystem. This research aims to determaine stand structure and distribution of terentang and mendarahan species in peat swamp forests. The research was conducted at Sebangau National Park and Sungai Bram Itam Peatland Protected Forest using the vegetation analysis method with a plot size of 100 m x 100 m, divided into sub-plots size 20 m x 20 m, and used for data collection for trees with size ≥ 10 cm. The results in Sebangau National Park was 115 individuals of terentang, 10 individuals of mendarahan and total of all species was 1043 individuals. while in the Sungai Bram Itam Peatland Protected Forest was 5 individuals of terentang, 21 individuals of mendarahan and total of all species was 543 individuals. The stand structure at both locations classified as normal. The spreading pattern of Terentang and mendarahan trees is a uniform distribution pattern. 
 Keywords: Campnosperma auriculata, Knema laurina, Peat swamp, Species distribution, Stand structure

Gender role in climate change adaptation on the peat swamp ecosystem in Pulang Pisau Regency Central Kalimantan

Climate change has the most severe impact on women, but studies on adaptation in a gender perspective are still limited. The purposes of this study were to find out: (1) gender role changes in response to climate change, and (2) the impact of gender role changes on the vulnerability of women. This study was conducted on the peat-swamp ecosystem in Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan. Gender roles in natural resource management in adapting to climate change in the peat-swamp ecosystem were descriptively qualitatively analyzed which emphasized relations and gender roles in the household. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. This study used documentation methods with secondary data types. From the results of the study, it can be seen that the gender role of women is divided into three, namely productive roles, reproductive roles, and social community roles. Climate change in Pulang Pisau Regency will interact and be sustainable with gender inequality and which disadvantages women than men, especially among the poor community, so that access to the availability of natural resources is needed in order to solve existing vulnerabilities and increase more real participation in the current climate change adaptation process.

FITOKIMIA TUMBUHAN BERKHASIAT OBAT TRADISIONAL DI KALIMANTAN SELATAN DAN KALIMANTAN TENGAH

The use of medicine derived from natural ingredients had already begun since ancestors and passed down from generation to generation. However, the properties of those various plants were not clinically been proven. This study aims to find out phytochemical content of medicinal forest plants based on information from the local communities. The study was conducted in two ecosystem types namely wetland ecosystem in peat swamp of Sungai Rasau, Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan and dryland ecosystem in Meratus Mountain slope, Peramasan Bawah village, South Kalimantan. Vegetation data in the field was collected by making line transect. Phytochemical analyses qualitatively was done in the Faculty of Math and Natural Science laboratory of Lambung Mangkurat University, while specimen samples were taken from some species that commonly used by the local communities for medicinal purpose as 100 gr to 150 gr of gross weight of each plants. . Then the plant specimens were tested for their secondary metabolites comprised steroids/triterpenoids, quinone, tannin, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids tests in the laboratory. The research results showed that medicinal plants used by local communities were still available in their natural habitat In dryland ecosystem, there were 27 plant species discovered and 22 species found in peat swamp ecosystem that potentially use as herbal medicine. Phytochemical analyses showed that most of the plant samples were proved to have secondary metabolites in the form of steroid/triterpenoids, quinone, tannin, flavonoid, saponins and alkaloids. This condition showed that those plant species have potential as herbal medicine. However, those plant species still need further tests related to certain active ingredients potentially use as biopharmacy. Keywords: dryland, secondary metabolite, peat swamp, medicine

Analisis Kualitas Air Permukaan Rawa Gambut Rasau Bervegetasi Mangrove Di Desa Rantau Panjang Kabupaten Muaro Jambi

Peat soil is a type of soil that is formed from the accumulation of plant debris which undergoes a decomposition process. This is why peat soil contains high organic matter and is acidic. Peat soils will affect the parameters of a surrounding aquatic ecosystem, such as the Rasau peat swamp ecosystem in the village of Rantau Panjang. Peat swamp water parameters are influenced by substances stored in the peat such as having a low pH, high heavy metal content, and having high TSS, TDS, BOD and COD values. The water parameter of peat swamp with mangrove vegetation is better than that of peat swamp that does not have mangrove vegetation. This can be seen if the peat swamp water parameters are laboratory tested. The physical parameters of water, namely temperature, TDS, DHL, color, and turbidity were lower in the Rasau peat swamp with mangrove vegetation compared to the non-vegetated ones. The chemical parameters of the Rasau peat swamp with high density mangrove vegetation such as higher pH, and lower BOD, COD, and iron (Fe) when compared to peat swamps without mangrove vegetation. However, the physical and chemical parameters of vegetated and non-vegetated peat swamps are still above the PPRI No. 82 of 2001.

STRATEGI PENGELOLAAN LAHAN GAMBUT EKS HGU BERBASIS MASYARAKAT DI KECAMATAN PUSAKO KABUPATEN SIAK

Central government authority which governing mastery, ownership, use and utilization of land and natural resources sectorally, authoritarian, and centralized in granting licenses for utilization of natural resources to business entities resulting in 3 (three) main problems, that are land tenure inequality, agrarian conflicts in natural resource management, and environmental damage. In 2018 in Riau Province, precisely in Siak Regency, Government implements land redistribution exconcession (HGU) of PT. Mahakarya Eka Guna (MEG) for community through the land objected of agrarian reform program (TORA) in order to rearrange the imbalance of mastery structure, ownership, use and utilization of land toward which more fair. So that land can be a source of livelihood and welfare for the community. TORA Program location is majority are in the function area of the peat swamp ecosystem Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) with peat depths of more than 3 meters, so the management of peatlands must follow government regulations related to regional function. The condition is currently being carried out land clearing on the exconcession land in TORA program to immediately utilization land, while the public does not have enough information and knowledge about the most profitable choice of plants.

Development of Community Potentials in Management of Sustainable Peatlands

Tanjung Leban Village, Bukit Batu District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province is a village included in the Rokan-Siak Kecil River Peat Hydrology Unit. The existence of this village is very strategic in maintaining the peat swamp ecosystem because its area is included in the Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve area (GSK-BB). But his condition today is quite alarming because it is included in an area prone to repeated land and forest fires. Departing from the above problems, the author wants to raise the focus of the research problem on efforts to develop community potential in peatland management. This study aims to analyze the development of community potential in peatland management in Tanjung Leban Village. This research is a qualitative descriptive study with a sampling technique used is snowball sampling. Research informants are all stakeholders involved and responsible for peatland management. Data collection is done by interviewing, observing, and studying documentation. After the data is collected then it is analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that the fundamental problem related to environmental management at the study site was the threat of land and forest degradation due to the use of peatland ecosystems that had not been integrated. Therefore it is important to have an empowerment effort with the main goal of improving the quality of life of the community, this is because community empowerment is believed to be able to motivate to change for the better so as to improve the socioeconomic of the family, foster a work culture, and foster a passion for cooperation in development. The programs that are needed by people who live around peatlands are environmental education, the application of environmentally friendly technologies, and the socialization of regulations relating to the protection of ecosystems.

Controls on soil carbon dioxide and methane fluxes from a peat swamp vary by hydrogeomorphic setting

AbstractCarbon dynamics of temperate peat swamps are a largely understudied component of wetland carbon cycling. Under a changing climate, hydrometeorological conditions may change, and understanding how peat swamps may be impacted is important. We investigated the importance of hydrogeomorphic setting on controlling soil carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes from a temperate peat swamp in southern Ontario, Canada over a 3‐year period. We chose three different hydrogeomorphic settings: (a) a site with strong wetland‐stream interactions (i.e., an unconfined stream channel; unconfined), (b) a site with limited wetland‐stream interactions (confined), and (c) an interior site (no wetland–stream interaction). The differing hydrogeomorphic conditions between the sites resulted in differences in carbon fluxes. The unconfined site maintained a higher water table across all three study years, providing conditions that are not favourable to CO2 production. The confined and interior sites sustained a much lower water table, with conditions more conducive to CO2 efflux. The unconfined site also had the highest CH4 emissions due to the increased anoxic conditions favourable for CH4 production as a result of the higher water table position. Hydrogeomorphic setting was found to be important for understanding within site variation, suggesting the sites may respond differently to longer‐term shifts in environmental conditions. This may change relationships between sites if the responses are strong enough to significantly alter carbon fluxes, decomposition, and potential peat accumulation rates. It is important to understand the locally specific responses to environmental conditions within peat swamp ecosystems, in order to make future predictions about whole ecosystem function under changing conditions.

Diversity of understorey at Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve

Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve (SSWR) is the only conservation area in the coastal lowlands of Aceh as well as habitat of protected large mammals and migratory birds. Many publications related to Singkil swamp biodiversity have been published; however the understory communities were not studied. Understory communities are important part of peat swamp ecosystem. This study aimed to calculate the understory diversity and distribution using quadrat method. Nine sites were selected and 25 2m by 2m plots were established in each sites. All understorey species within plot were identified and measured their coverage. Overall, 134 species in 42 families were recorded which the community diversity in each site was categorized as moderate and high. Araceae was recorded as richest family (14 species), followed by Orchidaceae (10 species) and Annonaceae (8 species). Subsequently, there are 17 families (40.5%) categorized as very scare family which each family only contains 1 species. It means the vulnerability of the last family group is very high due to the ecosystem disturbance. Some invasive alien species were found at disturbed areas. Therefore, the pristine peatswamp ecosystem is needed to conserve as well as the disturbed area is needed to restore based on scientific approaches.

The Implementation of Constructivism-Based Student Worksheets within The Theme ‘The Prevention of Land and Forest Fire’ in Science Education for Grade VII of Secondary Schools in Riau

<p>The issues of land and forest fire require a comprehensive effort, one of which is through the dissemination of educational values, such as science education. This verification study aims to examine the truth of the stage competence on the constructivism approach of the advanced test on student woksheet 1 and 2 and compare it with the test results 2 on the theme of forest and land fire and peat swamp ecosystem as well as global warming and its impact. The study was conducted in the laboratory of Biology department, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Riau and SMPN 1 Bungaraya in September-December 2016. This type of research is verivication research of advanced test results with test results on 2 sets of developed student worksheet. The data were collected from student worksheet. The results from this study indicate that students’ competence in constructing ideas through constructivism approach is ‘good’ at student worksheet 1 (mean score=3.27) and ‘very good’ at student worksheet 2 (mean score=3.43). The data also show that there was a consistency between the advanced test to the experimental test II. This study concludes that student worksheet 1 and student worksheet 2 can improve the students’ competence in building their knowledge on the topic of forest and land fires, and both worksheets (student worksheet 1 and 2) are eligible to be used as a reference for teaching science subject for Grade VII.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>

Development of Funginite on Muaraenim and Lower Members of Telisa Formations at Central Sumatra Basin - Indonesia

Petrography analysis of coal is the study organic and inorganic components of coal bearing formations. This research conducted observation method under microscopic of thin incision to identify organic maseral group. The organic composition of coal from Muaraenim Formation is known to average for vitrinite maseral group 79.30%, inertinite 10%, liptinite 3.4%, and non-organic 7.3%. While the composition of coal from the Bottom Members of Telisa Formation for the average of vitrinite maseral group 66.4%, mineral matter 30.32%, inertinite 3.26%. The liptinite maseral group is not present as a coal component in the study area. The funginite development of the Muaraenim Formation is quite abundant 2.8% indicating peat swamp ecosystem in wet-dry conditions in ph 3 -5. In contrast, the development of funginite Lower Members of Telisa Formation is known to be absent which is replaced by the presence of frambiodal pyrite and indicates peat ecosystem in wet conditions at ph 6 - 7.

IDENTIFIKASI FAKTOR SEBARAN MACAN DAHAN (Neofelis diardi Cuvier, 1823) DI EKOSISTEM RAWA GAMBUT, TAMAN NASIONAL SEBANGAU

The Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi Cuvier, 1823) is the largest predator and the keystone species on Borneo Island. Therefore, the existence of N. diardi is very important to maintain the stability and healthy of ecosystems in Kalimantan Forest. Sebangau National Park (SNP), Central Kalimantan Province is one of the important habitats for this species because it is formed by peat swamp ecosystem and it has function to maintain the balance of the global climate. Data of the distribution factors of N. diardi were expected to used for monitoring and inventorying of population this species, especially in SNP. Data collection was conducted from June until November 2014 through methods of 12 track-sets; 9 units camera traps; and signs of animal presence likely footprints, feces, claws, scratches, scrapes, and vocalizations in 2 grids, each size 6 x 6 km 2 . This study results show that the distribution of N. diardi is affected by five factors namely, the distance from water source (P = 0,002); the distance from the potential of disturbance (P = 0,017); forest canopy density (P= 0,04); peat depth (P = 0,002); and habitat types in the SNP (P = 0,011). Only the altitude factor does not affect the distribution of N. diardi (P = 0,064) at SNP. Furthermore, this study also indicates that the presence and abundance of animal preys as another factor affecting the distribution of N. diardi at SNP. This condition is caused by the tendency of N. diardi encounter in a RAI values of animal preys on medium-grade (9,38; 10,53) and high (14,52; 18,60; 18,60). Finally, this study also demonstrates that the existence of N. diardi can be considered as an indicator species for forest in good condition. Keyword : keystone species, Neofelis diardi, peat swamp ecosystem, top predator