Plant diversity after rain-forest fires in Borneo

Eichhorn, K.A.O. (2006)

Doctoral Thesis

In the last two decades El-Niño-induced fires have caused widespread destruction of forests in East Kalimantan. The 1997-98 fires were the most extensive yet. The post-fire situation was studied in detail by field assessments and high-resolution SAR-images. My results show that rain forests are better able to conserve their high plant diversity than has been assumed because of the network of unburnt remnant forest, large remnant trees, and abundant tree regeneration. These elements were present in burnt forests throughout the burnt region. Subsequent destructive human activities, rather than El-Niño fires themselves, are the major threat to these forests' plant diversity.

• fires
• Borneo
• rain forest
• vascular plants
• Kalimantan
• Indonesia
• biodiversity
• ecology

• All authors: Eichhorn, K.A.O.
• Supervisor: Baas, P.; Mabberley, D.J.
• Co-supervisor: Roos, M.C.; Kessler, P.J.A.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2006-05-17
• Title of host publication: Blumea Supplement
• ISBN (print): 9789071236006
• Name: 18
• Sponsorship: NWO-WOTRO grant 895-10-012