Abstract
This study was carried out in the Dodola forest, Southern Ethiopia, to investigate the structure, reproductive biology, and regeneration status of Podocarpus falcatus. Based on their disturbance status, two blocks each having an area of 16 ha (400 m × 400 m) were laid in the forest to collect vegetation data. 16 plots (100 m × 100 m) and 256 subplots (25 m × 25 m) were established in each block. The population status of Podocarpus falcatus (dbh ≥ 5 cm) was assessed in the 256 subplots. The regeneration status of Podocarpus falcatus was also assessed around 40 randomly selected female trees isolated at least 10 m from any other female tree in each block. A total of 1363 Podocarpus falcatus individuals were recorded, with an average distribution of 43 individuals ha−1 and a higher proportion of small-sized individuals. The population structures of Podocarpus falcatus in the two blocks were a typical inverted J-shape pattern, indicating good regeneration and recruitment status of the study species. Podocarpus falcatus had a good regeneration status in Dodola forest and also larger quantities of its seedlings were recorded under canopy shades suggesting that the species is shade tolerant. The density of seedlings and saplings was small within 4 m radius from the seed source (female trees) compared to that observed greater than 4 m distance. Thus, poor regeneration is observed within a 4 m radius around the female trees compared to distances greater than 4 m. Therefore, the local community and other responsible stakeholders should work together to stop and/or reduce the selective cutting of this ecologically and economically important tree species in the forest.
Highlights
Biodiversity refers to the variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems
In block II, most values were above 40 cm dbh indicating a population in which larger trees predominated. is indicates that block I was heavily disturbed than block II. e abundance of Podocarpus falcatus trees ≥5 cm dbh was relatively higher than Magada forest
Compared with other dry Afromontane forests such as Gelawdios (9 ha−1) [57] and Zegie (6 ha−1) [58], Podocarpus falcatus had relatively higher seedling density in Dodola forest. is suggests the ecological suitability of the forest for Podocarpus to exhibit its potential for higher seedling recruitment and healthy regeneration. is finding agrees well with the results reported from previous work on the species [46, 59]
Summary
Biodiversity refers to the variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems. It is the variety of plant and animal species and the variety of genes within those species and the variety of ecosystems in which the species inhabit [1]. There has been a rapid decline in the biodiversity of the world mainly due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, overharvesting, pollution, invasive species, and unsustainable practices in agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry [2, 3]. Many of the genetic resources of the country remain unexplored and biodiversity resources are under continuous threats of destruction mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, unsustainable utilization of biological resources, agricultural expansion, invasive species, climate change, and pollution [10, 13]. According to FAO’s report [14], the rate of deforestation in the country was 141,000 ha per year and this extensive amount of habitat loss or destruction may have resulted in a rapid dwindling of the genetic resources of the country [10]
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