Jakarta, May 24 -- Researchers from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have called for stronger conservation efforts to protect the endangered mangrove species Camptostemon philippinensis in Balikpapan Bay, East Kalimantan.

The species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is protected under Indonesian law.

The mangrove has been found in coastal areas of Pantai Lango and Kowangan Island in Penajam Paser Utara district.

BRIN researcher Istiana Prihatini said the presence of the rare mangrove highlighted the ecological importance of Balikpapan Bay.

"The presence of C . philippinensis in Balikpapan Bay shows that the area...