Forest Biomass and Species Diversity for Conservation Status Assessment in Subtropical Andean Forests

Abstract

In this chapter, we analyze patterns of above ground biomass (AGB) and tree species diversity from forest plots data to show differences along the latitudinal gradient, and among premontane, lower and upper montane forests. Then, we combine forest plot data with satellite imagery to map patterns of AGB and tree diversity across subtropical Andean forests of Argentina. The combined analysis of these patterns allowed us to identify areas with high conservation value at the regional scale (e.g., high AGB stocks, high tree diversity, or both). Furthermore, we analyze relationships between forest structure, in terms of AGB and tree diversity, and mammal species richness at the landscape scale, using camera trap surveys. We conclude discussing these results and their practical implications for land management and conservation planning, as well as for ecological and biodiversity research.