The equatorial forests of the Asia-Pacific region form an interesting natural biogeographic experiment where at least three distinct floras and faunas have and are still becoming mixed together due to continental collisions. The region is geologically extremely active with many volcanic ranges, earthquakes and rise and submersion of mountain ranges and islands. The insular nature of the region adds additional complexity.

This has led to a very dynamic and diverse flora and fauna with some of the highest endemicity levels on Earth. Unfortunately, this region is also under considerable threat due to expansion of cash-crops, infrastructure development, habitat fragmentation, hunting and wildlife trade, and an increasing frequency of forest fires.

In this special issue we like to draw attention to the unique forests of the Asia-Pacific region and we invite researchers to submit papers highlighting the flora and fauna from this region. We are looking for a wide range of papers, i.e., from plot and monitoring studies in a single location, to studies that cover wide geographic areas; single or multi-species analyses; ecological, conservation and ethnobotanical studies.

Overall, we like to highlight the research that is currently happening in the region, so we especially welcome contributions from the countries located within the Asia-Pacific.

Submission Open: 25th October 2024 - 31st March 2025