Forest-Type Variation in Vegetation Structure and Tree Carbon Stocks in the Mid-Hill Forests of Central Nepal Himalaya

Abstract

Forest ecosystems are major contributors to climate change mitigation and the provision of ecosystem services. In this study, we assessed plant diversity and carbon stocks across different forest types in a middle mountain region of Lalitpur district of Nepal. Stratified purposive vegetation sampling was used for data collection. The results revealed that different vascular plant species diversity varies with forest type and structure. Herbaceous plant diversity was highest followed by tree and shrubs. The Quercus forest exhibited a higher carbon stock of 118.06 t/ha, suggesting strong carbon storage potential, whereas the Alnus forest had the lowest carbon stock (30.25 t/ha), indicating limited carbon storage capacity. It is concluded that Quercus forests are the most effective for carbon storage and climate change mitigation, whereas broadleaf mixed forests have high ecological significance by supporting rich biodiversity and providing considerable carbon storage potential. Based on these findings, forest management and conservation strategies are essential for the restoration and conservation of ecologically sensitive forest ecosystems in the middle mountains of the Nepal Himalaya.