Forest Structure, Productivity, and Conservation Status of Tree Species in a Tropical Very Humid (TRF) Forest of the Colombian Pacific

This study examined the floristic composition, structural attributes, productivity, biomass, and conservation value of a tropical rainforest (TRF) in the Colombian Pacific region. A complete inventory of trees with DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) ≥ 10 cm was conducted, and analyses included diversity indices, species accumulation and rarefaction curves, structural parameters, productivity indices, and estimates of aboveground biomass and C (carbon) stocks. Multivariate analyses were also applied to evaluate beta diversity and flo-ristic dissimilarity among plots. The forest showed high species richness, with 45 species belonging to 26 families, and diversity indices confirmed a heterogeneous and balanced community. Structural analyses revealed a dense and complex stand with continuous re-generation, a reverse-J diameter distribution, and stratification dominated by lower and middle layers. Productivity indices highlighted the dual contribution of abundant small stems and a smaller number of dominant trees. Aboveground biomass reached very high values, corresponding to substantial C storage, with most of the pool concentrated in a few dominant taxa. Conservation analysis revealed that while most species were classified as Least Concern, four taxa were identified as threatened or vulnerable, and several remained unevaluated. Overall, the results confirm the dual role of TRFs as biodiversity hotspots and critical C reservoirs, underscoring the need for integrated conservation strategies.