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Measurement of CO2 flux and arthropod biodiversity were carried oue at three areas of peatland ecosystems NP (natural peatland ecosystem), LOP (least developed peatland ecosystem) and MDP (maximum disturbed pearland ecosystem). All areas were located at MARDI Peat Research Station, Sessang, Sarawak. The CO2 flux was measured using static chamber method connected to a portable CO2 infrared gas analyser. Soil CO2-C flux exhibited diurnal pattern with peak rates as high as 950 mg/m2/h occurred during the mid afternoon (1100-1300). Emission of CO2 was highly correlated with soil temperature (r2 =0.85) and water table (r2 = 0.63). Annual CO2 flux from the peat soil surface varies significantly among land clearing techniques. The highest estimated annual carbon loss as CO2 emission was 48.3 Mt/ha/y under MOP area. Annual emissions of CO2 from LDP are lower and no significant differences between the annual CO2 flux from LOP and NP. Arthropod biodiversity were monitored with light traps in those three areas. Arthropod community was more even in undisturbed peatland ecosystem (NP). It tended to be more variable in the first part of the study, and seemed able to recover as the season progress. Our results suggested that selective clearing can be a compromise method of peatland development as it considered both environment and sustainable utilization issues.
