Mansingh Abinash, Pradhan Antaryami, Sahoo Satya Ranjan, Cherwa Sujeet Sameer, Mishra Bibhu Prasad, Rath Laxmi Prasad, Ekka Nirius Jenan, Panda Bibhu Prasad
School of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University, Burla, 768019, Odisha, India.
Terracon Ecotech Private Limited, Mumbai, 400054, India.
BMC Ecol Evol. 2025 May 16;25(1):48. doi: 10.1186/s12862-025-02385-9.
Tropical dry deciduous forests are crucial for biodiversity conservation and carbon storage but are increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change. This Study evaluates tree diversity, population structure, and biomass carbon stock across five forest ranges of eastern India.
A stratified random sampling approach was implemented using a 5 km × 5 km grid for vegetational attribute studies. Tree diversity was assessed within 0.1 ha (31.62 m × 31.62 m) plots, while biomass estimation focused on trees with ≥ 10 cm. girth at breast height. Population structure and biomass estimation were analyzed across six defined girth classes, employing standardized protocols to ensure accurate carbon stock estimation.
A total of 80 tree species belonging to 68 genera and 33 families were recorded, with Fabaceae emerging as the dominant family. Significant variation in species richness (32-52 species), tree density (804-1332 trees/ha), and basal area (18.28-24.92 m²/ha) was observed across the five forest ranges. Kolabira forest range (3.45) and Bagdihi forest range (3.37) exhibited the highest diversity indices, highlighting their ecological significance and carbon sequestration potential. Mid-sized trees (32-101 cm) contributed the most to biomass accumulation, while the lower densities in other size classes suggest selective exploitation. Total biomass was highest in Belpahar forest range (129.63 Mg/ha) and lowest in Jharsuguda forest range (86.73 Mg/ha), with a corresponding biomass carbon stock of 58.47 MgC/ha and 40.76 MgC/ha, respectively, emphasizing spatial variations in carbon storage across these dry deciduous forests.
The findings highlight the ecological significance of tropical dry deciduous forests and underscore the urgent need for conservation strategies to safeguard biodiversity and enhance carbon storage. In parallel, the study offers a valuable scientific foundation for advancing forest management practices and shaping policies to address biodiversity loss and climate challenges in this vital region of India.
热带干燥落叶林对于生物多样性保护和碳储存至关重要，但日益受到人类活动和气候变化的威胁。本研究评估了印度东部五个林区的树木多样性、种群结构和生物量碳储量。
采用分层随机抽样方法，使用5千米×5千米的网格进行植被属性研究。在0.1公顷（31.62米×31.62米）的样地内评估树木多样性，而生物量估计则侧重于胸径≥10厘米的树木。在六个定义的胸径类别中分析种群结构和生物量估计，采用标准化方案以确保准确的碳储量估计。
共记录了80种树木，分属于68属33科，豆科为优势科。在五个林区中，物种丰富度（32 - 52种）、树木密度（804 - 1332株/公顷）和基部面积（18.28 - 24.92平方米/公顷）存在显著差异。科拉比拉林区（3.45）和巴迪希林区（3.37）的多样性指数最高，突出了它们的生态意义和碳固存潜力。中型树木（32 - 101厘米）对生物量积累的贡献最大，而其他尺寸类别的较低密度表明存在选择性采伐。贝尔帕哈尔林区的总生物量最高（129.63吨/公顷），贾尔苏古达林区最低（86.73吨/公顷），相应的生物量碳储量分别为58.47吨碳/公顷和40.76吨碳/公顷，强调了这些干燥落叶林中碳储存的空间差异。
研究结果突出了热带干燥落叶林的生态意义，并强调迫切需要采取保护策略来保护生物多样性和增强碳储存。同时，该研究为推进森林管理实践和制定政策以应对印度这一重要地区的生物多样性丧失和气候挑战提供了宝贵的科学基础。
