Anthropogenic disturbance and recovery in tropical peat swamp forests

Tropical peat swamp forests develop in tropical regions in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. These forests are most common in Indonesia, accounting for 47% of their total area. Regular or seasonal flooding suppresses the decomposition of plant litter (e.g., stems, branches, leaves, and roots), allowing the accumulation of undecomposed organic matter and the development of a thick layer of nutrient-poor and low-pH peat soil on the forest floor. Peat swamp forests are established and maintained over long periods through a subtle balance of climate, hydrological conditions, peat, water, and vegetation. Anthropogenic disturbance significantly alters this balance, which is more delicate than in other ecosystems. When such a forest is drained for development, the ecosystem collapses; the peat decomposes, and peat fires are frequent, inducing greenhouse gas emissions and ground subsidence. In this review paper, we outline the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on tropical peat swamp forests in Southeast Asia, evaluate their possible recovery, and discuss future perspectives.