Endemic riverine plants; an important component of floral biodiversity

Mashhor Mansor (2001) Endemic riverine plants; an important component of floral biodiversity. [Proceedings Paper]

Based on my 20 years experience, working on aquatic ecosystems in several countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Japan, Australia, Scotland, England, Ireland, Denmark, USA and Canada, it is fair to conclude that most of the endemic riverine plants are concentrated only at certain locations. High plant diversities are recorded at the Amazonian Basin, Madagascar; West Africa and the Indo-Malayan region. For example, Tropical America is rich in Echindorus, whereas Tropical Africa is rich in Anubia. Madagascar is well known for its Aponogeton. All these genera are made up of several endemic species, which are also widely utilized as aquarium plants. One of the widely distributed endemic riverine genera in the Indo-Malayan region is Cryptocoryne. So far 50 species are recorded and most of them can be considered endemic. Peninsular Malaysia harbors about 10 species and Sarawak harbors about 12 species. Currently most of these species are highly threatened due mainly to the massive destruction of their riverine habitats. It should be noted that riverine plants are not getting much attention when compared with other taxons. Some of the endemic riverine plants are relatively sensitive to the changing environmental parameters and with a slight disturbance, the whole population will be wiped out from a particular habitat. Although most of the species can be utilized as a good biological indicator; however; their distributions are generally localized and limited.

Full text available from:

Abstract

Based on my 20 years experience, working on aquatic ecosystems in several countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Japan, Australia, Scotland, England, Ireland, Denmark, USA and Canada, it is fair to conclude that most of the endemic riverine plants are concentrated only at certain locations. High plant diversities are recorded at the Amazonian Basin, Madagascar; West Africa and the Indo-Malayan region. For example, Tropical America is rich in Echindorus, whereas Tropical Africa is rich in Anubia. Madagascar is well known for its Aponogeton. All these genera are made up of several endemic species, which are also widely utilized as aquarium plants. One of the widely distributed endemic riverine genera in the Indo-Malayan region is Cryptocoryne. So far 50 species are recorded and most of them can be considered endemic. Peninsular Malaysia harbors about 10 species and Sarawak harbors about 12 species. Currently most of these species are highly threatened due mainly to the massive destruction of their riverine habitats. It should be noted that riverine plants are not getting much attention when compared with other taxons. Some of the endemic riverine plants are relatively sensitive to the changing environmental parameters and with a slight disturbance, the whole population will be wiped out from a particular habitat. Although most of the species can be utilized as a good biological indicator; however; their distributions are generally localized and limited.

[error in script]

Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. QH75 A1I61 2000 Call Number
AGROVOC Term:	endemic species
AGROVOC Term:	flora
AGROVOC Term:	biodiversity
AGROVOC Term:	environmental impact assessment
AGROVOC Term:	environmental monitoring
AGROVOC Term:	botanists
AGROVOC Term:	research institutions
AGROVOC Term:	forest ecosystems
AGROVOC Term:	biological preservation
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited:	28 Jul 2025 02:51
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2025 02:51
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/700

Actions (login required)

View Item