How Does Nature Recover After an Eruption? A Plant Conservation Expert from IPB University Explains Primary Succession on Anak Krakatau
A volcanic eruption isn’t always the end of life. Behind the destruction of vegetation and habitats, an eruption can mark the beginning of a new ecosystem through the process of primary succession.
This phenomenon can be observed in the Krakatau region, which serves as one of the most important natural laboratories for studying how ecosystems develop from a state of near total lifelessness to the formation of plant and animal communities.
When Nature Is “Reset”
Dr Agus Hikmat, a plant conservation expert and lecturer in the Department of Forest Resource Conservation and Ecotourism at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, explains that the 1883 Krakatau eruption is a classic case study in ecosystem development.
The emergence of Anak Krakatau in 1927 from the remnants of that eruption created a new ecosystem that was initially devoid of flora and wildlife.
“A volcanic eruption resets the existing ecosystem into a new one. The ecosystem in the Krakatau region responds in three phases: destruction, colonization, and stabilization,” said Dr Agus.
During the destruction phase, various factors, such as high temperatures, volcanic ash, toxic gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and even tsunamis, can cause vegetation to suffer severe damage or die.
“Wildlife is also affected, whether through death, flight, or being swept away by waves. However, some animals, such as seabirds, bats, and flying insects, can survive and simultaneously act as seed dispersers,” he added.
Creating New Habitats
This process, Dr Agus continued, then serves as the starting point for primary succession. Once the island’s surface is covered with sand or volcanic rock, pioneer organisms such as microbes, mosses, and fungi begin to appear.
As the substrate and environmental conditions change, grasses, shrubs, small trees, and eventually young trees can gradually develop and form a young forest.
“The process of primary succession can take decades or even centuries, depending on environmental conditions and the presence of seed dispersers,” he explained.
In addition to causing destruction, Dr Agus continued, eruptions can also create new habitats. Lava that cools into volcanic rock can, through weathering, develop into mineral rich soil.
Volcanic material in the ocean can also serve as a substrate for coral growth, while lava caves, craters, and new cliffs can provide niches for bats, birds, lizards, and other organisms.
Let Nature Recover
Since Anak Krakatau is a conservation area designated as a nature reserve and remains volcanically active, Dr Agus emphasized the importance of allowing natural processes to take their course.
Conservation efforts must focus on preventing invasive alien species, refraining from introducing plants from outside the area, and conducting long-term monitoring of eruptions, tsunamis, vegetation, and wildlife.
“Krakatau is a natural laboratory for primary succession. The goal of conservation is not to restore nature to its original state, but to protect the natural succession process so that it proceeds smoothly,” he concluded. (dr) (IAAS/WSG)
