Sumatran freshwater swamp forests
The Sumatran freshwater swamp forests ecoregion covers disconnected patches of freshwater swamp forest on the alluvial plains of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. The different locations vary greatly in their vegetation and wildlife habitat depending on the local soil types. The land has been greatly disturbed by human conversion to agriculture and illegal logging in recent years. Several of the sectors support significant populations of Asian elephants .
The sectors of the ecoregion tend to be bounded on the south by Sumatran lowland rain forests, and on the northern side by Sumatran peat swamp forests. The freshwater swamps differ from the Peat swamp forest in having less waterlogged soil, more fertile soils, and more water derived from rivers and rainwater. The freshwater swamps are all on low plains, with the maximum elevation in the ecoregion only 63 meters.
Climate
The climate of the ecoregion is Tropical rainforest climate. This climate is characterized as hot, humid, and having at least 60 mm of precipitation every month.
Flora
Trees in swamps must be able to endure prolonged periods of inundation, and many species have developed buttresses, stilt roots, and pneumatophores. Common species of trees include Adina, Alstonia, Campnosperma, Mallotus, the evergreen Dillenia, Dyera, Coral tree , and the evergreen Eugenia.
Fauna
Mammals of conservation interest, aside from the Asian Elephants, include the endangered Malayan tapir ', and the endangered Sumatran tiger '. The grasslands in the swamps provide important habitat for waterbirds.
Protected areas
3.8% of this ecoregion is officially protected. Notable protected areas include: