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Heterotrigona itama Pollen Analysis as a Bioindicator of Floral Diversity in South Kalimantan Oil Palm Agroforestry

Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education · Vol. 17 No. 3 (2025) · pp. 514–526

DOI
10.15294/biosaintifika.v17i3.34142
ISSN
2338-7610, 2085-191X
Published
2025-11-18
Publisher
Universitas Negeri Semarang
Language
eng

Abstract

Background: The expansion of oil palm plantations in Indonesia drives deforestation and biodiversity loss, threatening pollinator communities. Agroforestry systems within oil palm landscapes may enhance floral resources, but their effectiveness is poorly understood. This study evaluates the potential of stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama) pollen analysis as a tool for monitoring floral diversity in different oil palm agroforestry systems. Methods: Pollen samples were collected from H. itama colonies in five distinct oil palm agroforestry systems (block-type, intercropping, row-type, fence-type, and palm oil-livestock) across South Kalimantan. Pollen types were identified microscopically, and diversity metrics (Shannon Index, Simpson Index, and Evenness) were calculated to assess foraging patterns and floral resource availability. Results: Analysis identified 30 plant species from 22 families. Agroforestry type significantly influenced pollen composition. Block-type systems exhibited the highest species richness (14 types), while fence-type systems showed the lowest (9 types) with heavy dominance by maize (Zea mays, 41.4%). Intercropping systems were dominated by Acacia mangium (51.2%). Row-type systems demonstrated the most balanced foraging (highest evenness). A moderate Sørensen similarity index (0.63) between pollen and field vegetation confirmed bees as effective samplers of landscape floral diversity. This research confirms that H. itama pollen analysis is an efficient bioindicator tool, revealing that agroforestry management directly shapes pollinator resource availability. Complex systems (e.g., block-type, row-type) support higher floral diversity, which is crucial for pollinator conservation and sustainable productivity in oil palm-dominated landscapes. This method provides a practical approach for guiding biodiversity-inclusive agricultural practices.

Keywords

Collaboration network of the authors

12 authors · 32 co-authorship links

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  • Universitas Halu Oleo
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Co-authorOrganisationJoint articles
Aminuddin Prahatama PutraAffiliation unknown2
Eko SuhartonoAffiliation unknown2
GunawanUniversitas Halu Oleo1
SunardiAffiliation unknown1
KrisdiantoAffiliation unknown1
Anni NurlianiAffiliation unknown1
Sayed IbrahimAffiliation unknown1

Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.

Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/biosaintifika/oai, first harvested 5 Nov 2026, last seen 5 Nov 2026.
Original metadata (oai_dc) 
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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">Heterotrigona itama Pollen Analysis as a Bioindicator of Floral Diversity in South Kalimantan Oil Palm Agroforestry</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Kadarsah, Anang </dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Ulimaz, Almira </dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Yardani, Jesi </dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Satriadi, Trisnu </dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Ogbodo, John Agbo </dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">bioindicator</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">floral diversity</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Heterotrigona itama</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">pollen analysis</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">oil palm</dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">Background: The expansion of oil palm plantations in Indonesia drives deforestation and biodiversity loss, threatening pollinator communities. Agroforestry systems within oil palm landscapes may enhance floral resources, but their effectiveness is poorly understood. This study evaluates the potential of stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama) pollen analysis as a tool for monitoring floral diversity in different oil palm agroforestry systems. Methods: Pollen samples were collected from H. itama colonies in five distinct oil palm agroforestry systems (block-type, intercropping, row-type, fence-type, and palm oil-livestock) across South Kalimantan. Pollen types were identified microscopically, and diversity metrics (Shannon Index, Simpson Index, and Evenness) were calculated to assess foraging patterns and floral resource availability. Results: Analysis identified 30 plant species from 22 families. Agroforestry type significantly influenced pollen composition. Block-type systems exhibited the highest species richness (14 types), while fence-type systems showed the lowest (9 types) with heavy dominance by maize (Zea mays, 41.4%). Intercropping systems were dominated by Acacia mangium (51.2%). Row-type systems demonstrated the most balanced foraging (highest evenness). A moderate Sørensen similarity index (0.63) between pollen and field vegetation confirmed bees as effective samplers of landscape floral diversity. This research confirms that H. itama pollen analysis is an efficient bioindicator tool, revealing that agroforestry management directly shapes pollinator resource availability. Complex systems (e.g., block-type, row-type) support higher floral diversity, which is crucial for pollinator conservation and sustainable productivity in oil palm-dominated landscapes. This method provides a practical approach for guiding biodiversity-inclusive agricultural practices.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Universitas Negeri Semarang</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2025-11-18</dc:date>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/article</dc:type>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion</dc:type>
	<dc:type xml:lang="en">Peer-reviewed Article</dc:type>
	<dc:format>application/pdf</dc:format>
	<dc:identifier>https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/biosaintifika/article/view/34142</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.15294/biosaintifika.v17i3.34142</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology &amp; Biology Education; Vol. 17 No. 3 (2025): November 2025; 514-526</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2338-7610</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2085-191X</dc:source>
	<dc:source>10.15294/biosaintifika.v17i3</dc:source>
	<dc:language>eng</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/biosaintifika/article/view/34142/7093</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2025 Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology &amp; Biology Education</dc:rights>
</oai_dc:dc>