Long-term Carbon Flux Dynamics in Central Taiwan's Cloud Forests: Influence of Biological Disturbances

In the context of mounting concerns surrounding human-induced climate change and its repercussions, the study delves into the critical role of forests, particularly their ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide. Our focus is on the Xitou Flux Site, situated in the cloud forest of central Taiwan, where micro-meteorological and carbon sequestration observations have been conducted since 2010, employing the eddy covariance method.

Noteworthy is the resolution of nighttime drainage issues in 2018, achieved through the implementation of the Lloyd and Taylor model, ensuring the accuracy of the recorded data. A comprehensive analysis spanning the years 2010 to 2022 paints a concerning picture: a substantial decline in the carbon sequestration capacity of the forest, particularly pronounced since 2017.

This study investigates the multifaceted factors contributing to this decline, with a special emphasis on the intricate interplay between carbon sequestration and changes in land cover. A significant revelation is the widespread damage inflicted upon the planted Cryptomeria japonica (Sugi) by squirrels through debarking and girdling. This phenomenon emerges as a major driver behind the observed reduction in the forest's carbon sink efficiency.

Regrettably, the current state of carbon sequestration in this plantation has reached a precarious equilibrium, characterized by a carbon-neutral status. This underscores the pressing need for immediate and targeted conservation efforts to preserve the ecological balance and enhance the resilience of this vital carbon sink.