Woody Plant Species Diversity of Lay Agerit Giorgis Natural Forest, Merabeti District of North Shoa Zone in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia is one of the biodiversity reach areas in the world. This study was conducted in Lay Agerit Giorgis forest is located in Merabeti district of North Shoa zone in Amhara region. This inventory was done with the aimed of woody plant species diversity documentation; determine floristic composition and regeneration status of woody plant species in Lay Agerit Giorgis Natural Forest. Systematic sampling was employed for the purpose of woody plant inventory in this area. The total of 34 quadrates were established with 6 transects in each of them 100meter apart and also 100meter distance in between plots with the sample plot area enumerated as the 10X 50meter. The major forest disturbance factors were recorded 35.16% light and moderate Browsing, 36.26% light and moderate Grazing and 28.57% light and moderate disturbance levels shows by logging /cutting. A total of 48 woody plant species belong to 38 genera and 27 families were recorded. The most frequent genera in the woodland were (Fabaceae), (Capparidaceae), (Celastraceae) and (Tiliaceae), respectively. The species frequency ranges between 2.94 – 76.4% with Dichrostachys cinerea (74.4%), Acacia tortilis (67.6%), each Dodonaea angustifolia and Euclea racemosa (64.7%) are among the top and Gardenia ternifolia, Ficus sur, Commiphora africana, Celtis africana are among the lowest in frequency distribution (2.94%). Setting high priority is needed to conserve these endangered woody plant species following either the ex-situ or field Gene bank or both conservation systems.