Survey and documentation of the potential and actual invasive alien plant species and other biological threats to biodiversity in Awash National Park, Ethiopia

Tamene Yohannes,Sebsebe Demissew,Tesfaye Awas

doi:10.3391/mbi.2011.2.1.01

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Awash National Park (ANP) Ethiopia, to document Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and to assess the spread of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. A total of 64 sample plots were laid systematically along the altitudinal gradient of 750 to 1916 m. Potential IAS were recorded. IAS which may threaten biodiversity of the park includes species such as Prosopis juliflora, Parthenium hysterophorus L., Cryptostegia grandiflora Roxb. ex R. Br. , Parkinsonia aculeata L., Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Datura ferox L. and Xanthium strumarium L. Except P. juliflora and P. hysterophorus, all others were not recorded in Ethiopia as IAS. P. juliflora was recorded in three plots with cover of 1% to 10%. P. juliflora was also found spread in different parts of the park particularly following the route of cattle movement. P. hysterophorus was recorded in and around nine sample plots. Plot 46, 47 and 48 were highly infested by P. hysterophorus which covered more than 60, 70 and 80% of the ground layer respectively. C. grandiflora was recorded in 11 plots with cover ranging from 1% to 35%. In view of all the natural as well as anthropogenic threats to the biodiversity of the Park, the ANP is at high risk. The rich biodiversity needs immediate management intervention.

Highlights

Ethiopia spans a remarkable number of the world’s broad ecological regions due to its dramatic geological history, broad latitudinal spread and immense altitudinal range
The results showed the greater abundance of Parthenium hysterophorus L., Cryptostegia grandiflora Roxb. ex R
In addition to the natural threats to biodiversity such as: wildfire, drought, bush encroachment and others; anthropogenic factors such as settlement within the Park, agricultural expansion, grazing and browsing by domestic animals, deforestation, illegal charcoal production and fire wood collection are the major threats to the Awash National Park (ANP)

Summary

Introduction

Ethiopia spans a remarkable number of the world’s broad ecological regions due to its dramatic geological history, broad latitudinal spread and immense altitudinal range. This range from the depressions in the Afar (126 m below sea level) to the spectacular mountaintops of Ras Dashen in the north (4620 m) and the Bale Mountains in southeast Ethiopia (4272 m). This variety of habitats supports a rich variety of different species which contributes to the overall biodiversity of the country (IBC 2005). That is why protected areas form a central element of any national strategy to conserve biodiversity

Methods

Results

Conclusion