Tree Species Diversity and Carbon Stock of Tropical and Sub-Tropical Forests of Mizoram, Northeast India

The present study was conducted in tropical and sub-tropical forests of Mizoram, Northeast India. A total of 49 species belonging to 40 genera and 26 families were recorded in the tropical forest (TF). Whereas, in the subtropical forest (STF), 47 species belonging to 42 genera and 28 families were recorded. As per Importance Value Index (IVI), the most dominant species in TF were : Castanopsis tribuloides (47.67), Schima wallichii (40.71), Aporosa octandra (20.96) and Wendlandia budleioides (17.79). Whereas, the species such as Ilex godajam (41.42), Saprosma ternatum (32.74) and Diospyros racemosa (31.34) were the most dominant species in STF. The total tree density and basal area were 1610 individuals ha-1 and 25.016 m2 ha-1 in TF and 1380 individuals ha-1 and 24.20 m2 ha-1 respectively in STF. The diversity indices such as Shannon’s diversity index (H′), Simpson’s dominance index (CD), Margalef richness index (d), and Pielou’s evenness index (J) ranged from 2.93-3.16, 0.91-0.94, 7.82-8.15, 0.76-0.81 in both the forests. The total tree biomass was 178 Mg ha-1 in TF and 144 Mg ha-1 in STF. Similarly, the total carbon stock in TF was 85 Mg C ha-1 and 68 Mg C ha-1 in STF. Such information on these forests can serve as a valuable tool for improving our capacity to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts and management of tropical forests for their sustainable use in the future.