DATASET FOR: Patterns of tree diversity, above-ground biomass and carbon along elevational gradient in a tropical forest: A case study of the Rumpi Hills Forest Reserve in Cameroon
Peterson, A. Townsend
Peterson, A. Townsend
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Abstract
This study seeks to provide baseline data on species composition and vegetation structure, and to evaluate variation along elevational gradients for tree species diversity, above-ground biomass and carbon in 25 1-ha plots in the Rumpi Hills Forest Reserve, in Cameroon. Plots were sampled in 500 x 20 m transects, measuring trees and lianas with diameter at breast height ≥10 cm in four types of forest in the reserve. Results revealed high diversity, particularly in lowland forest. Overall, the study examined (Trees ≥ 10 cm dbh) 12,036 individuals in 441 species; mean numbers of species per plot were 112 species ha-1 in lowland, 81 species ha-1 in mid-elevation, 60 species ha-1 in submontane and 38 species ha-1 in montane forest. Above-ground biomass averaged 400 t ha-1, and carbon averaged 200 t ha-1. We found negative relationship between carbon and elevation (R2 = 6.18, P < 0.05), and a weak positive relationship between species diversity and carbon (R2 = 39.13, P < 0.05). Our results indicate that high species diversity and occurrence of larger tree species are more important in carbon storage than elevation in RHFR. These findings are useful for management and land use planning of the unique forests in the Rumpi Hills Forest Reserve.
Description
Dataset describing GPS coordinates associated with each of the transects analyzed in this paper.
Date
2018-01-01
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Keywords
Carbon, Lowland, Montane ecosystem, Tropical forest, Rumpi Hills Forest Reserve