Forest contraction in north equatorial Southeast Asia during the Last Glacial Period.
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.
Wurster
Christopher M
CM
School of Geography and Geosciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9AL, United Kingdom. christopher.wurster@jcu.edu.au
Bird
Michael I
MI
Bull
Ian D
ID
Creed
Frances
F
Bryant
Charlotte
C
Dungait
Jennifer A J
JA
Paz
Victor
V
D000473:Alkanes / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D001893:Borneo; D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000378:metabolism; D002980:Climate; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005843:Geography; D006802:Human Activities; D006801:Humans; D046448:Ice Cover; D007214:Indonesia; D007313:Insecta / Q000502:physiology; D008296:Malaysia; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D011157:Population Dynamics; D013997:Time Factors; D014197:Trees / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000469:parasitology
D000473:Alkanes; D002247:Carbon Isotopes