Difference in value of selected ecosystem services from native Shola forest and exotic tree plantations in the upper Palni hills of South India
Student name: Mr Kunal Bharat
Guide: Dr Joachim Michael Schmerbeck
Year of completion: 2014
Host Organisation: TERI University and University of Freiburg, Germany
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Benno Pokorny
Abstract: The difference in value of three selected ecosystem goods and services from the native Shola
forest and three types of exotic plantations (Acacia, Eucalyptus and Pinus) was studied in the
upper Palni hills. The market value of fuelwood supplied to the local villagers, carbon stock
present in living biomass of trees and biodiversity value was estimated for the four types of land
units. A land use- land cover map was prepared for the entire study area to know the fuelwood
collection zone and area under each land unit.
The annual market value of fuelwood extracted from the study area was Rs. 9,31,59,756. The
results showed that 87% of the fuelwood used by the local villagers came from Acacia
plantations with an annual market value of Rs. 8,04,98,140 per annum. 12% came from
Eucalyptus plantations while Pinus plantations and Shola forest contributed very marginally.
Allometric equations were used to estimate biomass. The carbon stock present in trees was the
highest in Shola forests with a value of 198 tonnes of carbon per hectare. The result showed that
Eucalyptus plantations, Pinus plantations and Acacia plantations had a value of 147, 98 and 37
tonnes of carbon per hectare.
Biodiversity value was assessed based on the value of certain physical indicators. The Shola
forest showed the highest biodiversity value. The biodiversity value among the plantations was
compared on the basis of biodiversity of native shola tree species regeneration underneath them.
Among the plantations Pinus showed higher biodiversity than Acacia and Eucalyptus
plantations.
Keywords: Ecosystem services, NTFP, carbon stock, biodiversity, Shola forest, Exotic
planations, Palni Hills.
