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[[Peat swamp forest]]s are swamp forests where waterlogged soils prevent woody debris from fully decomposing, which over time creates a thick layer of acidic [[peat]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/swamp-forest | title=Swamp Forest - an overview &#124; ScienceDirect Topics }}</ref>
[[Peat swamp forest]]s are swamp forests where waterlogged soils prevent woody debris from fully decomposing, which over time creates a thick layer of acidic [[peat]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/swamp-forest | title=Swamp Forest - an overview &#124; ScienceDirect Topics }}</ref>


A freshwater swamp forest is a type of [[wetland]] [[ecosystem]] characterized by its unique hydrology and vegetation. These forests are typically found in low-lying areas, riverbanks, and floodplains where there is a consistent supply of freshwater.<ref>{{Citation |last=Martin-Smith |first=K. M. |title=ECOLOGY {{!}} Aquatic Habitats in Forest Ecosystems |date=2004-01-01 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B0121451607000247 |work=Encyclopedia of Forest Sciences |pages=96–102 |editor-last=Burley |editor-first=Jeffery |access-date=2023-10-04 |place=Oxford |publisher=Elsevier |doi=10.1016/b0-12-145160-7/00024-7 |isbn=978-0-12-145160-8}}</ref> Here are some key characteristics and features of freshwater swamp forests:
A freshwater swamp forest is a type of [[wetland]] [[ecosystem]] characterized by its unique [[hydrology]] and vegetation. These forests are typically found in low-lying areas, riverbanks, and [[floodplains]] where there is a consistent supply of [[freshwater]].<ref>{{Citation |last=Martin-Smith |first=K. M. |title=ECOLOGY {{!}} Aquatic Habitats in Forest Ecosystems |date=2004-01-01 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B0121451607000247 |work=Encyclopedia of Forest Sciences |pages=96–102 |editor-last=Burley |editor-first=Jeffery |access-date=2023-10-04 |place=Oxford |publisher=Elsevier |doi=10.1016/b0-12-145160-7/00024-7 |isbn=978-0-12-145160-8}}</ref>


== Hydrology ==
== Hydrology ==
Freshwater swamp forests are permanently or seasonally inundated by freshwater, with water levels that fluctuate throughout the year. They are often associated with slow-moving or meandering rivers, oxbow lakes, and other water bodies.
Freshwater swamp forests are permanently or seasonally inundated by [[freshwater]], with water levels that fluctuate throughout the year. They are often associated with slow-moving or [[Meander|meandering rivers]], [[Oxbow lake|oxbow lakes]], and other water bodies.<ref>{{Citation |last=Giesen |first=Wim |title=Tropical Freshwater Swamps (Mineral Soils) |date=2018 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4001-3_4 |work=The Wetland Book: II: Distribution, Description, and Conservation |pages=199–226 |editor-last=Finlayson |editor-first=C. Max |access-date=2023-10-04 |place=Dordrecht |publisher=Springer Netherlands |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-94-007-4001-3_4 |isbn=978-94-007-4001-3 |editor2-last=Milton |editor2-first=G. Randy |editor3-last=Prentice |editor3-first=R. Crawford |editor4-last=Davidson |editor4-first=Nick C.}}</ref>


== Flora ==
== Flora ==
The vegetation in freshwater swamp forests is adapted to survive in waterlogged conditions. Common tree species include various types of mangroves, palms, and hardwood trees like mahogany and ebony. The tree canopy tends to be dense and can create a shaded environment beneath.
The vegetation in freshwater swamp forests is adapted to survive in [[waterlogged]] conditions. Common tree species include various types of [[Mangrove|mangroves]], palms, and [[hardwood]] trees like [[mahogany]] and [[ebony]]. The tree canopy tends to be dense and can create a shaded environment beneath.<ref>{{Citation |last=Duke |first=Norman C. |title=Mangroves: Unusual Forests at the Seas Edge |date=2014 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41554-8_129-1 |work=Tropical Forestry Handbook |pages=1–24 |editor-last=Köhl |editor-first=Michael |access-date=2023-10-04 |place=Berlin, Heidelberg |publisher=Springer |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-642-41554-8_129-1 |isbn=978-3-642-41554-8 |last2=Schmitt |first2=Klaus |editor2-last=Pancel |editor2-first=Laslo}}</ref>


== Biodiversity ==
== Biodiversity ==
Freshwater swamp forests are rich in biodiversity and provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. They support numerous aquatic species, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Birds are also abundant in these ecosystems. The flooded conditions can make these areas particularly important for fish breeding and spawning.
Freshwater swamp forests are rich in [[biodiversity]] and provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. They support numerous aquatic species, [[Amphibian|amphibians]], reptiles, and mammals. Birds are also abundant in these ecosystems. The flooded conditions can make these areas particularly important for fish breeding and [[Spawn (biology)|spawning]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2018-04-13 |title=Species composition and diversity of mangrove swamp forest in southern Nigeria |url=https://medcraveonline.com/IJAWB/IJAWB-03-00078.pdf |journal=International Journal of Avian & Wildlife Biology |language=English |volume=Volume 3 |issue=Issue 2 |doi=10.15406/ijawb.2018.03.00078 |issn=2574-9862}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mangroves trees and shrubs |url=https://www.fao.org/3/ai387e/AI387E06.htm |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=www.fao.org}}</ref>


== Adaptations ==
== Adaptations ==
Many plants in freshwater swamp forests have special adaptations to cope with waterlogged soils, such as pneumatophores (aerial roots) in mangroves for oxygen exchange. Some animals have adapted to life in these wet environments, like amphibians with permeable skin that can absorb oxygen from water.
Many plants in freshwater swamp forests have special adaptations to cope with [[waterlogged]] soils, such as [[Aerial root|pneumatophores]] (aerial roots) in mangroves for oxygen exchange.<ref>{{Citation |last=Duke |first=Norman C. |title=Mangroves: Unusual Forests at the Seas Edge |date=2014 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41554-8_129-1 |work=Tropical Forestry Handbook |pages=1–24 |editor-last=Köhl |editor-first=Michael |access-date=2023-10-04 |place=Berlin, Heidelberg |publisher=Springer |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-642-41554-8_129-1 |isbn=978-3-642-41554-8 |last2=Schmitt |first2=Klaus |editor2-last=Pancel |editor2-first=Laslo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Trees of the Mangroves |url=http://www.nparks.gov.sg/nparksbuzz/nov-issue-2021/conservation/trees-of-the-mangroves |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=Trees of the Mangroves |language=en}}</ref> Some animals have adapted to life in these wet environments, like [[Amphibian|amphibians]] with [[permeable]] skin that can absorb oxygen from water.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Thorson |first=Thomas B. |date=1955-01 |title=The Relationship of Water Economy to Terrestrialism in Amphibians |url=http://doi.wiley.com/10.2307/1931435 |journal=Ecology |language=en |volume=36 |issue=1 |pages=100–116 |doi=10.2307/1931435}}</ref>


== Ecosystem Services ==
== Ecosystem Services ==
Freshwater swamp forests offer a variety of ecosystem services. They act as natural buffers against flooding by absorbing excess water during heavy rains. They also filter water, helping to improve water quality by trapping sediments and pollutants. These forests are crucial for carbon sequestration, playing a role in mitigating climate change.
Freshwater swamp forests offer a variety of ecosystem services. They act as natural [[Buffer strip|buffers]] against flooding by absorbing excess water during heavy rains. They also filter water, helping to improve [[water quality]] by trapping sediments and pollutants.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Steven |first=Diane De |last2=Lowrance |first2=Richard |date=2011-04 |title=Agricultural conservation practices and wetland ecosystem services in the wetland-rich Piedmont-Coastal Plain region |url=http://doi.wiley.com/10.1890/09-0231.1 |journal=Ecological Applications |language=en |volume=21 |issue=sp1 |pages=S3–S17 |doi=10.1890/09-0231.1 |issn=1051-0761}}</ref> These forests are crucial for [[carbon sequestration]], playing a role in mitigating [[climate change]].<ref>Hawes, E., & Smith, M. (2005). Riparian buffer zones: Functions and recommended widths. ''Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Study Committee'', ''15'', 2005.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Steven |first=Diane De |last2=Lowrance |first2=Richard |date=2011-04 |title=Agricultural conservation practices and wetland ecosystem services in the wetland-rich Piedmont-Coastal Plain region |url=http://doi.wiley.com/10.1890/09-0231.1 |journal=Ecological Applications |language=en |volume=21 |issue=sp1 |pages=S3–S17 |doi=10.1890/09-0231.1 |issn=1051-0761}}</ref>


== Human Use ==
== Human Use ==
Local communities often rely on freshwater swamp forests for resources such as timber, non-timber forest products (e.g., fruits, honey), and fish. Traditional agriculture may take place in the drier, elevated areas around the swamp forest. However, unsustainable logging and land conversion can threaten these ecosystems.
Local communities often rely on freshwater swamp forests for resources such as [[Lumber|timber]], [[Non-timber forest product|non-timber forest products]] (e.g., fruits, honey), and fish. Traditional agriculture may take place in the drier, elevated areas around the [[swamp forest]]. However, unsustainable [[logging]] and land conversion can threaten these [[Ecosystem|ecosystems]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Derebe |first=Binega |last2=Alemu |first2=Asmamaw |last3=Asfaw |first3=Zebene |date=2023-05-20 |title=Contribution of Nontimber Forest Products Earn to Livelihood in Rural Households and the Type of Use: A Systematic Review |url=https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfr/2023/9643290/ |journal=International Journal of Forestry Research |language=en |volume=2023 |pages=e9643290 |doi=10.1155/2023/9643290 |issn=1687-9368}}</ref>


== Conservation ==
== Conservation ==
Freshwater swamp forests are globally important and often designated as protected areas or Ramsar wetlands due to their ecological significance. Conservation efforts aim to protect these ecosystems from degradation and promote sustainable land use practices.
Freshwater swamp forests are globally important and often designated as protected areas or [[Ramsar wetlands of international importance|Ramsar wetlands]] due to their ecological significance. [[Conservation biology|Conservation]] efforts aim to protect these [[Ecosystem|ecosystems]] from [[Degradation of the environment|degradation]] and promote sustainable land use practices.<ref>{{Citation |last=Schlesinger |first=William H. |title=Chapter 7 - Wetland Ecosystems |date=2020-01-01 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128146088000074 |work=Biogeochemistry (Fourth Edition) |pages=249–291 |editor-last=Schlesinger |editor-first=William H. |access-date=2023-10-05 |publisher=Academic Press |doi=10.1016/b978-0-12-814608-8.00007-4 |isbn=978-0-12-814608-8 |last2=Bernhardt |first2=Emily S. |editor2-last=Bernhardt |editor2-first=Emily S.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ecology of Wetland Ecosystems: Water, Substrate, and Life {{!}} Learn Science at Scitable |url=https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/ecology-of-wetland-ecosystems-water-substrate-and-17059765/ |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=www.nature.com |language=en}}</ref>


== Threats ==
== Threats ==
Freshwater swamp forests are vulnerable to habitat destruction and degradation due to urbanization, agriculture, logging, and drainage for development. Climate change, including rising sea levels, can further threaten these ecosystems by altering water levels and salinity.
Freshwater swamp forests are vulnerable to habitat destruction and degradation due to [[urbanization]], [[agriculture]], [[logging]], and [[drainage]] for development. [[Climate change]], including rising sea levels, can further threaten these [[Ecosystem|ecosystems]] by altering water levels and [[salinity]].


== Freshwater swamp forest ecoregions ==
== Freshwater swamp forest ecoregions ==

Revision as of 00:24, 5 October 2023

Flooded forest

Freshwater swamp forests, or flooded forests, are forests which are inundated with freshwater, either permanently or seasonally. They normally occur along the lower reaches of rivers and around freshwater lakes. Freshwater swamp forests are found in a range of climate zones, from boreal through temperate[1] and subtropical to tropical.[2]

In the Amazon Basin of Brazil, a seasonally flooded forest is known as a várzea, and refers to a whitewater-inundated forest. Igapó refers to blackwater-inundated forest.[3][4]

Peat swamp forests are swamp forests where waterlogged soils prevent woody debris from fully decomposing, which over time creates a thick layer of acidic peat.[5]

A freshwater swamp forest is a type of wetland ecosystem characterized by its unique hydrology and vegetation. These forests are typically found in low-lying areas, riverbanks, and floodplains where there is a consistent supply of freshwater.[6]

Hydrology

Freshwater swamp forests are permanently or seasonally inundated by freshwater, with water levels that fluctuate throughout the year. They are often associated with slow-moving or meandering rivers, oxbow lakes, and other water bodies.[7]

Flora

The vegetation in freshwater swamp forests is adapted to survive in waterlogged conditions. Common tree species include various types of mangroves, palms, and hardwood trees like mahogany and ebony. The tree canopy tends to be dense and can create a shaded environment beneath.[8]

Biodiversity

Freshwater swamp forests are rich in biodiversity and provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. They support numerous aquatic species, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Birds are also abundant in these ecosystems. The flooded conditions can make these areas particularly important for fish breeding and spawning.[9][10]

Adaptations

Many plants in freshwater swamp forests have special adaptations to cope with waterlogged soils, such as pneumatophores (aerial roots) in mangroves for oxygen exchange.[11][12] Some animals have adapted to life in these wet environments, like amphibians with permeable skin that can absorb oxygen from water.[13]

Ecosystem Services

Freshwater swamp forests offer a variety of ecosystem services. They act as natural buffers against flooding by absorbing excess water during heavy rains. They also filter water, helping to improve water quality by trapping sediments and pollutants.[14] These forests are crucial for carbon sequestration, playing a role in mitigating climate change.[15][16]

Human Use

Local communities often rely on freshwater swamp forests for resources such as timber, non-timber forest products (e.g., fruits, honey), and fish. Traditional agriculture may take place in the drier, elevated areas around the swamp forest. However, unsustainable logging and land conversion can threaten these ecosystems.[17]

Conservation

Freshwater swamp forests are globally important and often designated as protected areas or Ramsar wetlands due to their ecological significance. Conservation efforts aim to protect these ecosystems from degradation and promote sustainable land use practices.[18][19]

Threats

Freshwater swamp forests are vulnerable to habitat destruction and degradation due to urbanization, agriculture, logging, and drainage for development. Climate change, including rising sea levels, can further threaten these ecosystems by altering water levels and salinity.

Freshwater swamp forest ecoregions

Afrotropic

Australasia

South and SE Asia

Ratargul Swamp Forest in Gowainghat, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Neotropic

See also

References

  1. ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0".
  2. ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0".
  3. ^ Pinedo-Vasquez, Miguel; Ruffino, Mauro L; Padoch, Christine; Brondízio, Eduardo S, eds. (2011). The Amazon Várzea. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-0146-5. ISBN 978-94-007-0145-8.
  4. ^ Myster, Randall W, ed. (2018). Igapó (Black-water flooded forests) of the Amazon Basin. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-90122-0. ISBN 978-3-319-90121-3. S2CID 53046359.
  5. ^ "Swamp Forest - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics".
  6. ^ Martin-Smith, K. M. (2004-01-01), Burley, Jeffery (ed.), "ECOLOGY | Aquatic Habitats in Forest Ecosystems", Encyclopedia of Forest Sciences, Oxford: Elsevier, pp. 96–102, doi:10.1016/b0-12-145160-7/00024-7, ISBN 978-0-12-145160-8, retrieved 2023-10-04
  7. ^ Giesen, Wim (2018), Finlayson, C. Max; Milton, G. Randy; Prentice, R. Crawford; Davidson, Nick C. (eds.), "Tropical Freshwater Swamps (Mineral Soils)", The Wetland Book: II: Distribution, Description, and Conservation, Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, pp. 199–226, doi:10.1007/978-94-007-4001-3_4, ISBN 978-94-007-4001-3, retrieved 2023-10-04
  8. ^ Duke, Norman C.; Schmitt, Klaus (2014), Köhl, Michael; Pancel, Laslo (eds.), "Mangroves: Unusual Forests at the Seas Edge", Tropical Forestry Handbook, Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, pp. 1–24, doi:10.1007/978-3-642-41554-8_129-1, ISBN 978-3-642-41554-8, retrieved 2023-10-04
  9. ^ "Species composition and diversity of mangrove swamp forest in southern Nigeria" (PDF). International Journal of Avian & Wildlife Biology. Volume 3 (Issue 2). 2018-04-13. doi:10.15406/ijawb.2018.03.00078. ISSN 2574-9862. {{cite journal}}: |issue= has extra text (help); |volume= has extra text (help)
  10. ^ "Mangroves trees and shrubs". www.fao.org. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
  11. ^ Duke, Norman C.; Schmitt, Klaus (2014), Köhl, Michael; Pancel, Laslo (eds.), "Mangroves: Unusual Forests at the Seas Edge", Tropical Forestry Handbook, Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, pp. 1–24, doi:10.1007/978-3-642-41554-8_129-1, ISBN 978-3-642-41554-8, retrieved 2023-10-04
  12. ^ "Trees of the Mangroves". Trees of the Mangroves. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
  13. ^ Thorson, Thomas B. (1955-01). "The Relationship of Water Economy to Terrestrialism in Amphibians". Ecology. 36 (1): 100–116. doi:10.2307/1931435. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ Steven, Diane De; Lowrance, Richard (2011-04). "Agricultural conservation practices and wetland ecosystem services in the wetland-rich Piedmont-Coastal Plain region". Ecological Applications. 21 (sp1): S3–S17. doi:10.1890/09-0231.1. ISSN 1051-0761. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Hawes, E., & Smith, M. (2005). Riparian buffer zones: Functions and recommended widths. Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Study Committee, 15, 2005.
  16. ^ Steven, Diane De; Lowrance, Richard (2011-04). "Agricultural conservation practices and wetland ecosystem services in the wetland-rich Piedmont-Coastal Plain region". Ecological Applications. 21 (sp1): S3–S17. doi:10.1890/09-0231.1. ISSN 1051-0761. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ Derebe, Binega; Alemu, Asmamaw; Asfaw, Zebene (2023-05-20). "Contribution of Nontimber Forest Products Earn to Livelihood in Rural Households and the Type of Use: A Systematic Review". International Journal of Forestry Research. 2023: e9643290. doi:10.1155/2023/9643290. ISSN 1687-9368.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  18. ^ Schlesinger, William H.; Bernhardt, Emily S. (2020-01-01), Schlesinger, William H.; Bernhardt, Emily S. (eds.), "Chapter 7 - Wetland Ecosystems", Biogeochemistry (Fourth Edition), Academic Press, pp. 249–291, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-814608-8.00007-4, ISBN 978-0-12-814608-8, retrieved 2023-10-05
  19. ^ "Ecology of Wetland Ecosystems: Water, Substrate, and Life | Learn Science at Scitable". www.nature.com. Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  20. ^ "Swamp Forest Ratargul : Amazon of Bangladesh ~ Beautiful Bangladesh".
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