Population and conservation status of the endangered Dracaena ombet tree in dry Afromontane forests

Abstract

Dracaena ombet, a flagship tree species in arid ecosystems, holds a significant ecological, economic, and socio-cultural value. However, its persistence is currently under threat from both anthropogenic and natural factors. Consequently, the species has been listed as an endangered tree species on the IUCN Red List, requiring urgent conservation actions for its continued existence. To develop effective conservation actions, it is necessary to have information on the population dynamics of the species. A study was conducted in the lowland and midland agroecological zones (sites) within the Desa'a dry Afromontane forest, northern Ethiopia to analyze the population status of D. ombet and identify its site-specific threats. At each site, abundance, health status, diameter, height and threats of the species were collected using 60 sample plots (20 m × 20 m) distributed over six transects (500 m × 20 m) spaced one km apart. The study showed that the D. ombet population was characterized by low abundance and unstable structure. It was further characterized by a substantial number of unhealthy damaged and dead trees. The low abundance of the species with unstable age structure in the dry Afromontane forests can be attributed to various factors such as stem cutting and debarking, leaf defoliation, overgrazing, soil erosion, and competition from expansive shrubs. Alternative livelihood options for the local inhabitants should be introduced to minimize the overexploitation of D. ombet for subsistence use in the dry Afromontane forests. The impacts of overgrazing and soil erosion on D. ombet and its Desa'a habitats should also be addressed through the introduction of community-based exclosures and in-situ soil and water conservation practices, respectively.