Forest Condition and Carbon Storage in Biharamulo Forest Reserve: A Dry Miombo Woodland Adjacent to a Growing Settlement in Western Tanzania

Deforestation and degradation of tropical dry forests in Africa are often linked to increasing human activities around protected areas. This study specifically assessed the i) woody species richness and diversity of the standing and harvested stems, ii) stand structure, and iii) carbon stocks of Biharamulo Forest Reserve (BFR) in Tanzania, bordering Nyakanazi village, a fast-growing town centre. Data were collected once in 2023 using 30 circular sample plots of 0.071ha. In each plot, all disturbances were recorded and standing trees and stumps identified to species level and measured for diameters. The results for large individuals (≥5cm dbh) show H’ = 2.71, species richness = 45, stem density = 595±220 stem ha-1, basal area = 6.32±2.43 m2 ha-1, standing volume =49.16±19.87 m3 ha-1 and AGC stocks = 16.59±6.72 Mg C ha-1. A total of 23 woody species consisting of 37±18 stem ha-1, basal area = 1.72±0.99 m2 ha-1, volume = 12.22±7.39 m3 ha-1 and AGC stock = 9.05±5.43 Mg C ha-1 were illegally harvested from BFR. Generally, the forest has low species richness, stand parameters and aboveground carbon stocks. Strengthened local management and restoration actions are recommended to maintain forest structure and ecological function