Restoration of tropical dry evergreen forest in southern India: balancing carbon sequestration with biodiversity conservation

Abstract

Tropical dry evergreen forests (TDEFs) are a unique and highly threatened forest type of the dry tropics. Their restoration could be strengthened if native species demonstrate carbon sequestration comparable to widely used non-native trees. We assessed biodiversity and carbon sequestration in a restored TDEF in India, developed over 50 years from a largely barren landscape. The site now supports high woody-plant diversity, with 91 native species across 34 families. Aboveground biomass (AGB) averaged 66.91 {+/-} 41.2 Mg ha-{superscript 1}, comparable to seasonally dry tropical forests globally. Although native species were planted more recently and are shorter than non-natives, they contributed 23.86 {+/-} 23.4 Mg ha-{superscript 1} to AGB and show potential for future increases in basal area. Given their comparable wood densities and capacity to attain similar heights, native species are predicted to sequester carbon at levels similar to non-natives in the long term. AGB was unrelated to species diversity. Overall, native TDEF species can achieve carbon storage while maintaining ecological integrity.