Flooded Forests

Flooded forests in Cambodia are naturally generated. They cover approximately 4778 km2, with the majority situated around Tonle Sap Lake. One hundred ninety species of vascular plants have been identified in this lake and its floodplain. They form three main habitat types with a distinct plant species composition: gallery forests, shrublands, and the herbaceous community. Gallery forests and shrubs are ideal and important protective feeding and breeding habitats for aquatic and terrestrial biota, whereas the herbaceous community plays a crucial role in primary and secondary production. The local villagers and communities value the provisioning, cultural, regulating, and supporting services of flooded forests. Our research in 2020 estimated that provisioning services alone provide an average of US$914/person/year.