Abstract: Litter is an important linkage between plant and soil in nutrient cycles because it is not only a key component consisting of forest ecosystems, but also is the essential carrier for nutrients. Thus, changes of carbon stock in litter can directly affect the carbon stocks in soil and forest ecosystems. In this study Abies georgei var. smithii, Picea asperata, Pinus densata, Pinus yunnanensis, Quercus semecarpifolia, Cupressus funebris forests in the Tibetan Plateau were selected as target vegetation types, and a direct harvesting method was employed to collect litter in the study sites. In general, carbon storage of litter showed a tendency of higher values with increasing stand ages. Additionally, the carbon storage of litter firstly increased with increasing elevation, and then a subsequent decrease in carbon storage occurred with increasing elevation. The largest carbon storage value was observed in sites with elevations ranging from 3200 to 3600 m. Spatially, the largest carbon storage value occurred in Linzhi, followed by Shannan and Shigatse, and the lowest in Changdu.

Key words: habitat, Dalinuoer National Nature Reserve, regional ecology, climate change, risk assessment