Carbon composition and storage in palms of the Andean-Amazonian hotspot, Ecuadorian piedmont forest
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v16i89.1529Keywords:
Arecaceae, Altitudinal gradient, Carbon storage, Conservation, Ecuadorian Amazon, Iriartea deltoideaAbstract
Within the context of climate change, Ecuador's forest palms are crucial both for biodiversity and for the local communities that depend on them for food and building materials. This study analyzes the diversity of palms and their carbon storage capacity in an Ecuadorian Amazon forest, and highlights their socioeconomic importance. An allometric measurement methodology adapted to local conditions was used to determine biomass and carbon stocks. The diameter at breast height and total height revealed that Iriartea deltoidea and Oenocarpus bataua are the species with the highest carbon sequestration rates, especially in low altitude areas. A notable decrease in carbon storage capacity was observed with increasing altitude, with averages of 11.20 Mg ha-1 in the area at 600 to 701 masl, and 3.11 Mg ha-1 within an altitude interval of 901 to 1 000 masl. In addition to their relevance for climate change mitigation, these species are essential for local communities, providing them with food, building materials, and materials for handicraft products. There is a considerable need to develop conservation strategies focused on low altitude areas with high palm density and promote the sustainable use of their derived resources for local economic benefits. Also, it is urgent to implement more accurate allometric models to improve biomass and carbon stock estimates in order to reinforce their integration into global conservation policies.
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