@Article{taiwania2026712373,
AUTHOR = {Maribel B. Cruz, Clarence A. Hubilla, Ryle Paolo M. Frianeza, Jamil Salem J. Isip, Adream Michael M. Quintos, Mario A. Cudiamat
},
TITLE = {Species diversity, biomass and carbon stock of Arroceros Forest Park: An urban green space in Manila, Philippines},
JOURNAL = {Taiwania},
VOLUME = {71},
YEAR = {2026},
ISSUE = {2},
PAGES = {373-389},
URL = {https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2181},
ABSTRACT = {The Arroceros Forest Park (AFP), an urban green space in Manila, Philippines, is widely considered the “last lung” of Metro Manila. This study assessed the park’s tree species diversity, biomass, carbon stock, and the carbon dioxide mitigation value using a non-destructive tree sampling method. A total of 264 individual trees representing 19 species across 14 families were recorded. <i>Swietenia macrophylla</i>, a non-native species, was the most dominant, exhibiting the highest importance value index (IVI) and contributing most to the total biomass and carbon storage. <i>Acacia auriculiformis</i> and <i>Pterocarpus indicus</i> also showed substantial contributions, indicating that large-diameter trees influence the ecosystem-level carbon dynamics. Biodiversity indices revealed moderate species richness with uneven distribution. Simpson’s diversity was high, but Shannon’s index was lower, suggesting that few species dominate within a stable community. More than 80% of trees had a diameter at breast height exceeding 30 cm, reflecting a mature stand. The estimated total aboveground biomass was 934.95 Mg/ha and belowground biomass was 192.25 Mg/ha, totaling 1,127.20 Mg/ha. The total vegetative carbon stock was 507.24 Mg C/ha, corresponding to a CO2 equivalent of 1,861.56 Mg/ha with a potential carbon dioxide mitigation value of 4,095.42 Mg. Despite its limited areas, AFP functions as a vital urban carbon storage capacity within an intensely urbanized landscape. These findings highlight the importance of mature tree protection, maintaining existing biomass and carbon stocks while supporting biodiversity stability. The study provides baseline ecological and carbon stock data to inform evidence-based urban forest conservation planning and climate-resilient strategies in rapidly urbanizing cities.},
DOI = {10.6165/tai.2026.71.373}
}