Why Study Pollination & Pollinators in Tropical Peat Swamp Forest?

#1: Carbon Storage

     Tropical peat swamp forests store 10 times more carbon per hectare than the global average (Graham et al., 2016), sequestering vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Research from peat swamp forests in Malaysia shows that the specific chemical compositions and structures of the leaves of certain PSF tree species delays their decay, suggesting that the composition of the tree community affects the rate of carbon sequestration (Yule & Gomez, 2009). How human activity, such as anthropogenic forest fires, peat swamp drainage, and timber harvesting, affect the species composition of peat swamp forest stands is poorly understood. Predicting the future composition of peat swamp forest requires a better understanding of the reproductive ecology of its tree species, including the factors limiting flowering, pollination, fruit-set, germination, and seedling and sapling survival. Preliminary data from Tuanan suggests that flowering and pollination could play a central role in the population dynamics of the tree species found there, with many species flowering infrequently and unpredictably, and only about 20% of observed flowering events resulting in successful fruit set.

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#2: Timber & NTFP Production

     Several important timber species are endemic to peat swamp forest, including the highly valuable and once ubiquitous Ramin (Gonystylus bancanus), which is now listed on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered due to overharvesting and the widespread drainage of peat swamp forests for replacement with oil palm and acacia plantations. Limited regeneration in natural stands of Ramin has been cited as one of the main impediments to its recovery (Hamzah et al., 2010). In total, 222 species of PSF tree have been identified as valuable timber species, including Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi) and several Shorea spp., and 81 species have been identified as non-timber species with other ‘major economic uses’, such as sources of natural dyes, latex, medicinal compounds, or edible fruits and nuts (Giesen, 2015). Little is known about the regeneration requirements and reproductive ecology for most of these species, and pollinator mutualisms have only been described for a few. Only by conducting further research in this area will we be able to understand why Ramin and some of its PSF allies are experiencing limited fruit set and regeneration in their natural habitat.

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#3: Endangered Species

     Peat swamp forests are home to many endemic tree, climber, and epiphyte species (Posa et al., 2011 identifies 172 PSF endemic plants in SE Asia). These species are threatened by over 60% of SE Asian PSF area being cleared or converted (Posa et al., 2011), with only 2% of Kalimantan PSF in pristine condition (Miettinen & Liew, 2010). Over 700 species of vertebrate animal call PSF home (Posa et al., 2011). Many of the large and enigmatic vertebrates found in PSF can also be found in other neighboring habitat types, such as Kerangas heath-forest, low-land Dipterocarp forest, or mangroves. However, thanks to the unique phenology of peat swamp forest, fruit and flower availability is more consistent in PSF than in other SE Asian forest types, meaning that PSF acts as a critical refuge when resources are scarce elsewhere (Cannon, 2007). Many endangered species, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, Storm’s storks, and several hornbill species, are found at higher densities in PSF than anywhere else (Posa & Marques, 2012, Posa et al., 2011, Giesen et al., 2018). Migrating swarms of Giant Honey Bees, one of the regions most important pollinators, sojourn in swamp forests between flowering seasons, when floral resources are scarce in the general landscape (Koeniger, Koeniger, & Tingek, 2010). Understanding the reproductive ecology and pollinator mutualisms of PSF canopy plants are key to understanding and protecting all of these species.

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