Malaysia has approximately 2.6 Mha of peatlands, of which about 70 % (∼1.6 Mha) are in Sarawak. Tropical peatland forest is a unique dual ecosystem of both rainforest and peatland. Its topo-morphology is strongly influenced by the hydrological conditions, which then determine the vegetation structure, species composition, and peat type. The tropical peatland forests are divided into six (6) phasic communities with three (3) main forest types, namely the Mixed Peat Swamp forest (PC1), Alan forest (PC2 and PC3) and Padang Alan forest (PC4). Their formation and development controlling factors, characteristics, and classification are described in the following. Some insights into the conservation and sustainable use of peat in Malaysia are also provided. To date, tropical peatland in Malaysia is still a largely unknown ecosystem and one of the understudied environments in the world. Hydrology is the dominant factor affecting the formation and functioning of peatland ecosystems by influencing the forest type and flow of nutrients. Knowledge on the topo-hydrological characteristics of the peatlands is notably important for understanding the physical and chemical properties of the peat. An understanding of the variability of peat properties in tropical peatland that are highly influenced by its structure and species composition is critically needed to formulate the strategies for conservation and sustainable management of tropical peatland.
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- Authors: Melling, L.
- Author Affiliation: Tropical Peat Research Laboratory Unit
- Subjects: peatlands, tropics, vegetation, hydrology, soil properties, species composition, plant communities, tropical forests, conservation
- Publication type: Chapter
- Source: Osaki, M., Tsuji, N. (eds). 2016. Tropical Peatland Ecosystems. 59-73
- Year: 2016
- ISSN: 978-4-431-55681-7
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55681-7_4
