February 28, 201016 yr The shrew loo: The rare jungle plant that recycles droppings By Mail On Sunday Reporter Last updated at 10:08 PM on 27th February 2010 Comments (0) Add to My Stories It is the ultimate in recycling. Meet Nepenthes Lowii, nature’s own lavatory. This is the first time the plant has been captured on camera being used by the mountain tree shrew – animals that rely on the plant both for nourishment and as its very own lavatory. The plant, which is found in Borneo, is the only one in the world that collects the droppings of animals and uses them to produce a sugary substance, which the shrew then eats. Shrewd: The animal is caught in the act It is definitely a win-win situation for all parties involved. The plant collects the droppings from the shrew as well as from a variety of birds. The squirrel-like creature lives in the mountains of northern Borneo, where it is attracted to the moist, mossy conditions which the Nepenthes Lowii thrives under. The sap from the plant has a ‘slightly disagreeable odour’ but it is the sweet taste that attracts the shrew. While it’s a great example of recycling, it’s unlikely to go down well with humans. The position of the substance on the permanently-opened lid of the plant makes it the perfect position for the shrew to perch. The plant starts its life as a meat-eating vine but leaves this carnivorous existence behind as it matures and develops a penchant for animal droppings. Its self-sufficiency means it thrives in a habitat known to be poor in nutrients, making it one of nature’s best recycling machines while providing everything the mountain shrew needs. It’s a lesson that could be learned by a nation that’s certainly lagging far behind in the recycling stakes. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1254339/The-shrew-loo-The-rare-jungle-plant-recycles-droppings.html#ixzz0gpoh2Izj
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