Extraordinary tree species richness and carbon storage in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Resumen

The Atlantic Forest is a critically endangered global biodiversity hotspot of tropical rain forest biome, yet its northern extent remains largely neglected in standardized plot inventories. This study aimed to assess tree species richness and carbon storage in this region and compare the results with global datasets. We established the first 1-hectare forest plot in the northern Atlantic Forest using RAINFOR protocols, recording all trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm. Herbarium and DNA samples for all 983 inventoried tree individuals were collected for species identification, and taxonomically verified by experts of the Flora do Brasil network. Above-ground biomass (AGB) was estimated using allometric equations incorporating DBH and wood density. Results revealed exceptional tree species richness (> 225 species) and carbon storage (244.14 Mg C ha^-1), placing the plot in the global top decile for both metrics. Comparisons with data from >350 globally distributed 1-hectare plots highlight this region as a dual hotspot for biodiversity and carbon storage, a status previously recorded only in lowland Bornean forests. These findings highlight the unique ecological importance of the northern Atlantic Forest. Expanding standardized plot networks in this region is critical to understand its ecological contributions and inform global conservation strategies.

 Citation: Asprino, R.C., Amorim, A.M., Cardoso, D & Moonlight, P. 2025. Extraordinary tree species richness and carbon storage in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Revista Jard. Bot. Nac. Univ. Habana 46(Número especial 1): 104.

Trabajo presentado en el XIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Botánica. Sesión Biodiversidad y Conservación.