Volume yield, tree species diversity and carbon hoard in protected areas of two developing countries

Abstract

The contributions of Protected Areas (PAs) in two developing countries (India and Nigeria) to biodiversity conservation and carbon accumulation were assessed in this study. Data were collected through field inventory from 12 plots (25 Â 25 m) randomly located in each of the PAs. In each plot, all woody plants were identified and tree growth variables were measured for trees with diameter at breast height !10 cm. We discovered that the two PAs are well stocked, mature and rich in tree species diversity with potentials for continuous growth as a result of the presence of young trees in the lower canopy. The biological diversity indices compared favorably with other similar PAs. The high above-ground biomass and carbon of the tree species revealed the roles of PAs in climate change mitigation through CO 2 absorption from the atmosphere. The difference in their phytosociological characteristics and carbon sink capacities, with higher values obtained for Nigerian forest, was attributed to the variation in geographical location, climatic conditions and soil properties. The protection of these PAs should be enhanced for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. The perceived challenges in developing countries with forest protection can be mitigated by introducing some institutional policies and rural community involvement in forest management.

Carbon Stock and Storage Capacity of Tree Species in Strict Nature Reserve of Omo Biosphere Reserve, Ogun State, Nigeria

“…However, the amount of total carbon per hectare (2313.40 kg/ha) and the CO 2 equivalent (8490.18CO 2 eq/ha) estimated in this study reveals the contribution of the reserve in cleaning the atmosphere from CO 2 dirt, thus supports the above claims by Ramachandran. The amount of carbon sequestered in the reserve is less than the amount of carbon recorded in Eda SNR (4897.82 kg/ha) Nigeria and (5360.84 kg/ha) in Katarnia-Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KGWS) India by [39]. The aboveground Biomass (AGB) estimated in the reserve is not up to the 278 Mg/ha worldwide tropical average by [40] and the 206-382 Mg/ha recorded by [41] for Andaman giant evergreen forests, India, but greater than 864.88kg/ha carbon stock recorded by [42] in Teak plantation, Gambari forest reserve Nigeria.…”

“…In other words, the higher the tree species diversity the higher the carbon stocks. [39] in their study estimated 4897.82 kg/ha of carbon stock in Eda SNR Nigeria (200 km 2 ) with Shannon-Wiener Index 2.12, Margalef's index of species richness 7.25, and 500trees/ha. Also, in Katarnia Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KGWS) India (400 km 2 ), they recorded 5360.84 kg/ha of carbon stock, Shannon-Wiener Index 2.09, Margalef's index of species richness 4.33, and 539trees/ha.…”

“…According to [39], the discrepancies in the carbon values observed could be linked to many factors such as methods of biomass calculation, sampling intensity, inter-location variations, soil properties and different climatic conditions. More so, age of the reserve/individual tree species, type of tree species composition and the management techniques adopted could be among the factors for the discrepancies.…”

Phytoecological studies of some protected and degraded forest areas of Lowland Humid forest, Ondo state Nigeria: a Comparative approach

“…Adekunle et al (2014), defined Protected Areas as geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed by means of legal or other effective strategies to achieve the continuing conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. Protected areas were categorised into: the Strict Nature Reserves (strict protection), National Parks (Ecosystem Conservation and Protection), Natural Monuments (conservation of natural features), Habitat/Species Management Area, Protected landscape/seascape (Landscape/Seascape conservation and recreation) and Managed Resource Protected Area (Sustainable use of natural resources) (IUCN 2008).…”

“…Protected areas were categorised into: the Strict Nature Reserves (strict protection), National Parks (Ecosystem Conservation and Protection), Natural Monuments (conservation of natural features), Habitat/Species Management Area, Protected landscape/seascape (Landscape/Seascape conservation and recreation) and Managed Resource Protected Area (Sustainable use of natural resources) (IUCN 2008). Every PA, irrespective of the management strategy should have the following objectives: conservation of the composition, structure, function and evolutionary potential of biodiversity; contributions to regional conservation strategies; maintenance of diversity of landscape or habitat and of associated species and ecosystems; long-term maintenance of the specified conservation targets; maintain the values for which it was assigned in perpetuity; be operating under the guidance of a management plan and possess a clear and equitable governance system (IUCN 2008, Adekunle et al 2014). Also, it should be able to conserve significant landscape features, geomorphology and geology; provide regulatory ecosystem services, including buffering against the impacts of climate change and recreational benefits; provide for cultural, spiritual, educational opportunities and scientific research purposes and deliver benefits to resident and local communities."…”