Abstract
Vegetation-environment relationships are usually studied along elevational gradient. The patterns of plant community distribution in Gole forest, Ethiopia, were studied along elevational gradient and disturbances. Disturbances were recorded following the elevational gradient. For vegetation data collection, 62 sample plots of size 20 × 20 m were established along an elevational gradient (2728–3480 m.a.s.l). Data on species composition and environmental variables were measured and recorded in each plot. The elevation of each sample plot was measured using Garmin GPS. Anthropogenic disturbances in each plot were estimated using the following scales: 0 = no disturbance, 1 = slightly disturbed, 2 = moderately disturbed, and 3 = highly disturbed. R statistical package was used for cluster and ordination analysis. Boxplots and analysis of variance were used to assess the relationships between plant communities and environmental variables. Sorensen’s similarity coefficient was used to detect similarities and dissimilarities among communities. A total of 114 plant species belonging to 57 families and 94 genera were identified. Five plant community types were identified using agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis. Every plant community had differences in composition and environmental variables. The variation in plant community distributions was significantly related to elevation and disturbance. Plant community distribution was negatively correlated with elevation ( P < 0.05 ) and also with disturbance ( P < 0.05 ). Sorensen’s similarity index showed that there was a difference in the distribution of plant species composition among the communities. The difference in plant community distribution of Gole forest was significantly related to elevation. Disturbances also have a considerable influence on the plant communities and mitigation of disturbance should be the main measure that needs to be taken into account in conservation planning in the study area.
Highlights
Vegetation-environment relationships are usually studied along gradients. e concept of environmental gradients has been a cornerstone in the development of ecological theory [1]
Plant species sharing similar environmental affinities occupy similar sites across the landscape [6]. us, the variation in plant communities and species diversity is linked to environmental gradients [7]
Elevation is one of the decisive factors shaping the spatial patterns of vegetation and species diversity. ere is a significant relationship between community structure, composition, and species diversity with elevation gradient and other environmental variables [2, 8]
Summary
Vegetation-environment relationships are usually studied along gradients. e concept of environmental gradients has been a cornerstone in the development of ecological theory [1]. Us, the variation in plant communities and species diversity is linked to environmental gradients [7]. Ere is a significant relationship between community structure, composition, and species diversity with elevation gradient and other environmental variables [2, 8].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
