Conserving peatswamp habitat : a highly diverse aquatic ecosystem of Malaysia

Amirrudin Ahmad, . and Ahyaudin Ali, . and Mashbor Mansor Sains Malaysia Univ., . (2001) Conserving peatswamp habitat : a highly diverse aquatic ecosystem of Malaysia. [Proceedings Paper]

A peatswamp sometime called blackwater swamp has dark-coloured and highly acidic water that is low in dissolved oxygen. It usually has a soft muddy substrate and habitats that are considered inhospitable unproductive and low in biodiversity. This poorly known ecosystem has become a prime target for land reclamation and land-use conversion. However during the last decade research has shown that peatswamp areas may be one of the most diverse freshwater habitats harbouring more than 30 of freshwater fishes found in Peninsular Malaysia. To date many new discoveries have been reported from this often neglected and probably relic habitat. The main factor contributing to the high fish diversity is probably the presence of different microhabitats in the area. In our study we identified eight different microhabitat types found in both freshwater and peatswamp areas. This has resulted in the presence of many restricted and localized fish species some of which can be considered as endemic. Thus it is important to conserve and protect the swamp ecosystem as it has not only a highly diverse ichthyofauna but also many unique species with restricted ranges and highly specialized niches. Some fish species that thrive in peatswamps are not found anywhere else and can be considered threatened if not endangered due to overexploitation by aquarium trade and habitat loses. More in-depth studies need to be carried out before further destruction of the ecosystem takes place.

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Abstract

A peatswamp sometime called blackwater swamp has dark-coloured and highly acidic water that is low in dissolved oxygen. It usually has a soft muddy substrate and habitats that are considered inhospitable unproductive and low in biodiversity. This poorly known ecosystem has become a prime target for land reclamation and land-use conversion. However during the last decade research has shown that peatswamp areas may be one of the most diverse freshwater habitats harbouring more than 30 of freshwater fishes found in Peninsular Malaysia. To date many new discoveries have been reported from this often neglected and probably relic habitat. The main factor contributing to the high fish diversity is probably the presence of different microhabitats in the area. In our study we identified eight different microhabitat types found in both freshwater and peatswamp areas. This has resulted in the presence of many restricted and localized fish species some of which can be considered as endemic. Thus it is important to conserve and protect the swamp ecosystem as it has not only a highly diverse ichthyofauna but also many unique species with restricted ranges and highly specialized niches. Some fish species that thrive in peatswamps are not found anywhere else and can be considered threatened if not endangered due to overexploitation by aquarium trade and habitat loses. More in-depth studies need to be carried out before further destruction of the ecosystem takes place.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Summary only
AGROVOC Term:	PEATLANDS
AGROVOC Term:	HABITATS
AGROVOC Term:	FRESHWATER ECOLOGY
AGROVOC Term:	ECOSYSTEMS
AGROVOC Term:	MALAYSIA
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15740

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