Aboveground Biomass Along an Elevation Gradient in an Evergreen Andean–Amazonian Forest in Ecuador

The aim of this research was to assess how aboveground biomass (AGB) changes along an altitudinal gradient in evergreen Andean–Amazonian forests [Evergreen Lower Montane Forest, northeastern Cordillera the Andes; Evergreen Piedmont Forest (EPF), and Lowland (ELF), Napo–Curaray] from 373 1,826 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.). All trees measured nine permanent 0.36-ha plots (60 × 60 m) were ≥ 10-cm (diameter at breast height) aforementioned ecosystems. We assessed tree density, basal area, species richness, AGB. In inventory, we 2,132 (Lower 687, 773, 672). AGB (Mg ha –1 ) increases with decreasing elevations: 310.26 ± 81.59 (SD) for 347.73 90.38 EPF, 377.39 42.73 ELF. Otoba glycycarpa Alchornea latifolia highest importance value (BIV) (1,421–1,826 m.a.s.l.), Spirotheca rosea Pouteria glomerata EPF (892–1,195 Iriartea deltoidea ELF (373–394 m.a.s.l.). Biomass contribution is concentrated few species. This has implications forest management reforestation programs where main focus on carbon sequestration.