Carbon storage by trees and soil in urban areas is of increasing interest as a potential greenhouse gas mitigation measure. Our objectives were to (1) quantify carbon accumulation in above- and below-ground tree biomass, organic layer and mineral soil (0–5 cm) of a 27-year-old planted forest in Auckland and (2) compare the sequestration potential of urban trees with natural shrublands and forests in New Zealand.
Invasive mammalian herbivores (e.g. deer, feral goats and brushtail possums; hereafter ‘herbivores’) are widespread throughout New Zealand and their control is important for conservation. In addition to known biodiversity benefits, it has recently been suggested that herbivore control could lead to measureable carbon gains when aggregated across a large area of conservation land. However, a significant amount of uncertainty exists regarding the potential effects of herbivore control on carbon, and the practicalities of successfully implementing such projects.
