Applying an indirect method for estimating and modelling the aboveground biomass and carbon for wood energy in the arid ecosystems of Aϊr Tenr of Niger

Maintaining the economic, ecological and social services provided by the oases and the valley ecosystems of Aϊr, in the northern part of Niger, is important for local communities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the supply and regulation services provided by these ecosystems through wood energy and carbon sequestration. Semi-structured surveys and dendrometric parameter measurements of woody species were carried out. In total, 9 villages were surveyed, and 558 trees of all woody species were inventoried in 65 plots. Most of the resources are distributed in lowlands and valleys along the toposequence. These topographical units are favourable for the accumulation of rainwater and also serve as resources for the wellbeing of the local population, especially their wood energy needs. Businesses have developed around the production and sale of charcoal. The carbon stock of the woody species was found significantly varied (P ≤ 0.05) between the different topographical units. Four allometric models of carbon estimation were developed, of which the model with diameter at breast height (DBH), height and wood density as the predictor variables was the most efficient. This study can be used for the formulation of policies and strategies for the sustainable management of Air Massif’s natural resources to benefit the welfare of local communities.   Key words: Ecosystem services, wood density, allometric models, Aϊr massif, Niger.