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University of Richmond

Publication Date

Spring 2023

Program Name

Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract

Currently, anthropogenic carbon emissions pose a significant, global threat, contributing to Global Warming and Climate Change (CC). Today, the most effective carbon sinks are natural. Trees are highly effective carbon sinks that sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), most greatly in tropical areas. However, tropical tree carbon storage needs to be more accurately estimated to provide valuable information toward mitigating CC and its negative environmental effects. This study aimed to estimate CO2 sequestration at a tropical forest in Boca Del Drago, Panama, and compare it to that of a nearby mangrove forest. It was hypothesized that the tropical forest, named Drago Dos, would be found to store above average amounts of carbon, and that the mangrove forest would store carbon even more efficiently. To accomplish this, random plots within each forest were selected, totaling ~500 m2 at each site. Within each plot, trees were measured for diameter at breast height (DBH) using diameter tape and tree height using a range finder. Then, the stored carbon for each tree was calculated, summed, and converted using allometric equations developed for the respective ecosystems. It was found that Drago Dos stored 557 tons/ha CO2, higher than the regional average for a mature forest. The mangrove forest was estimated to store only 329 tons/ha CO2. However, tropical carbon storage was not significantly higher per hectare than mangrove carbon storage (p= 0.39). These results indicate that Drago Dos Forest is a healthy, mature forest storing substantial quantities of carbon, with minimal effects from nearby construction. However, it is possible that the mangrove forest estimate is an underestimate due to being in recovery, and most carbon being stored in soil and dead roots. These results only partially support the hypothesis and indicate surprising tropical forest carbon storage efficiency overall.

Disciplines

Climate | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Forest Biology | Forest Management | Latin American Studies

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