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Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2021, 11(3): 103-127
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Article

Diversity, structure and regeneration status of woody species in Juniperus dominated dry Afromontane forest of Beyeda district, northern highlands of Ethiopia

Muhabaw Taju1, Asmamaw Alemu1, Endalkachew Teshome2
1Department of General Forestry, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
2Department of Tourism Development, University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Received 22 March 2021;Accepted 30 April 2021;Published 1 September 2021
IAEES

Abstract
Ethiopia is recognized as a major center of biodiversity. The vegetation types are highly diverse, varying from Afro-alpine to Desert vegetation types. However, the country's forest resources are declining alarmingly largely due to anthropogenic factors. The Juniperus dominated Afromontane forest of the northern highlands of Ethiopia is among the most threatened forest which calls for ecological investigations to formulate strategy for protection and sustainable utilization of the forest resources. This study was conducted in the Juniperus dominated Afromontane forest of the Northern highlands of Ethiopia to determine woody species diversity, structure and regeneration status along different levels of disturbances and to investigate human induced disturbances on woody species. For vegetation survey the forest was stratified in to three disturbance levels (Less disturbed, moderately disturbed, and highly disturbed forests). The vegetation assessment followed a systematic random sampling and vegetation data were collected from 41 square meters (20 x 20 m2) sample plots. Species diversity, evenness, similarities, and regeneration statuses along disturbances were computed using Shannon diversity, Evenness indices and Sorenson's similarity index. Further, ANOVA were used to test differences among disturbance levels. A total of 24 woody species belonging to 20 families and 24 genera were identified. Species Richness, Evenness, density and basal area of woody species decreased as intensity of disturbance increased. Woody species density, Richness, and basal areas along disturbance were significantly different as we move from highly disturbed forest to less disturbed forest. Population structure showed trends of inverted 'J' shape pattern in all gradients of disturbance. As intensity of anthropogenic disturbance increases the forest is converted in to low quality shrubby and scrub lands. As a result of the above-mentioned facts human induced disturbance has a negative effect on woody species diversity, structure and regeneration status. But mild disturbance has a positive effect in facilitating regeneration as a result of gap creation. So, attention should be given in formulating forest management plan and strategy to limit the impact of anthropogenic disturbance for the sustainable management of the forest.

Keywords Juniperus;Afromontane forest;woody species diversity;disturbance gradient;regeneration status.


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