Forest contraction in north equatorial Southeast Asia during the Last Glacial Period
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Today, insular Southeast Asia is important for both its remarkably rich biodiversity and globally significant roles in atmospheric and oceanic circulation. Despite the fundamental importance of environmental history for diversity and conservation, there is little primary evidence concerning the nature of vegetation in north equatorial Southeast Asia during the Last Glacial Period (LGP). As a result, even the general distribution of vegetation during the Last Glacial Maximum is debated. Here we show, using the stable carbon isotope composition of ancient cave guano profiles, that there was a substantial forest contraction during the LGP on both peninsular Malaysia and Palawan, while rainforest was maintained in northern Borneo. These results directly support rainforest “refugia” hypotheses and provide evidence that environmental barriers likely reduced genetic mixing between Borneo and Sumatra flora and fauna. Moreover, it sheds light on possible early human dispersal events.
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
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Volume
107
ISBN/ISSN
1091-6490
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Issue
35
Pages Count
4
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Publisher
National Academy of Sciences
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EISSN
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DOI
10.1073/pnas.1005507107