Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
In the central courtyard of the Life Sciences Building II, there were originally various types of plants from the Bromeliaceae family. However, the freshwater pond section presented unremarkable due to overgrown weeds. After several discussions, a plan was proposed to transform this area into a distinctive garden featuring wetland and carnivorous plants. Starting from November 25, 2021, the removal of invasive and dominant species from the pond began, followed by the strategic planting of various types of carnivorous plants suited to the environmental conditions. This initiative serves multiple purposes, including enhancing the ecological diversity of the pond, establishing observation areas for distinctive plants, increasing green coverage on exposed soil, promoting clearer water, creating a more comfortable environment, and reducing interference from ants and mosquitoes for people.
Results/Contributions

1.Environmental Transformation Phase:

Initially, remove a large number of invasive species to allow the stagnant water to gradually regain flow. Additionally, the circular terrestrial habitat along the edges of the pond, contains numerous stones that need to be excavated before planting can begin. These excavated stones can then be repurposed as natural materials for demarcation, reducing waste.

2. Distinctive Management Phase:

After cleaning the pond, the introduction of Utricularia gibba will commence. Once its growth stabilizes, other species such as Utricularia minor, Trapa natans, Allium tuberosum, and Deschampsia flexuosa will be introduced.

With the addition of these species to the ecological pond, consider planting members of the Droseraceae family (Drosera spathulata, Pinguicula), with a particular emphasis on the robust growth of Drosera spathulata.

Next, explore the types of plants suitable for the terrestrial area. Purchase a small quantity of Nepenthes, and also collect donated specimens. After planting, the Nepenthes exhibit robust growth, not only capturing ants but also flowering. Currently, new plants propagated through asexual reproduction have emerged.

Other plants, such as Sarracenia, are still increasing in number, primarily in potted form, and have not yet been planted in mounds.

3. Continuous Maintenance Phase:

The ecological pond has gradually stabilized, with designated growth areas for Sarracenia and Utricularia, showcasing autonomous flowering and insect capturing capabilities. Specialized programs have been implemented, resulting in a gradual reduction in the human and material resources required for maintenance. Looking ahead, the goal is to transplant potted carnivorous plants into appropriate areas.

4. Featured Highlights: (a) Operation and management utilize existing materials and local palm leaves to reduce waste and maximizes the water absorption and retention capabilities of the palm leaves. (b) Emphasizing minimal energy consumption, water is supplied through a fixed valve, and drainage is achieved through simple water holes, requiring no electricity. (c) Terrestrial carnivorous plants capture surrounding ants and snails, maintaining ecological balance. (d) With the increasing quantity of Drosera spathulata, there has been a significant reduction in mosquitoes. It is speculated that there may be an inhibitory effect on mosquitoes, and continuous observation is ongoing. (e) The majority of the soil area is covered by the continuous growth of wetland carnivorous plants, steadily increasing in height.


Keywords
Carnivorous Plants, Ecological Pond, Nepenthes, Aldrovanda vesiculosa, Pinguicula, Drosera, Recycling of Waste
References
1. https://cls.site.nthu.edu.tw/p/406-1469-264983,r7381.php?Lang=zh-tw

Establishment and Maintenance of Carnivorous Plant Ecological Pond in the School of Life Sciences and Medicine

Contact Information
林立元老師/劉月梅老師
Lylin@life.nthu.edu.tw / ywliou@mail2000.com.tw