Tropical peatlands and their conservation are important in the context of COVID-19 and potential future (zoonotic) disease pandemics.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global disruption, with the emergence of this and other pandemics having been linked to habitat encroachment and/or wildlife exploitation. High impacts of COVID-19 are apparent in some countries with large tropical peatland areas, some of which are relatively poorly resourced to tackle disease pandemics. Despite this, no previous investigation has considered tropical peatlands in the context of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Here, we review: (i) the potential for future EIDs arising from tropical peatlands; (ii) potential threats to tropical peatland conservation and local communities from COVID-19; and (iii) potential steps to help mitigate these risks. We find that high biodiversity in tropical peat-swamp forests, including presence of many potentia

SUBMITTER: Harrison ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7678489 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature