Woody species diversity and regeneration challenges in Ethiopia: Review article to identify research gaps

Abstract

The goal of this study was to elucidate the research gap on woody species diversity and regeneration in Ethiopian natural and managed forests. Ethiopia is a biodiversity hotspot in the Horn of Africa, having a large variety of indigenous woody species. Ecological variability, population increase, and climate change-related disturbances have all had an impact on the variety and regeneration of woody species across various gradients in the country. Nonetheless, extant evidence for woody species in natural and managed forests suggests that Ethiopia's Shannon diversity index (H') and evenness index (E) are equivalent to those seen in several tropical countries. There is a big knowledge vacuum when it comes to explaining the relationship between regeneration issues and the recruitment of woody species. Different studies have found contradictory results, implying that more research is needed before using the information for better woody species diversity and regeneration enhancement projects. To minimize inconsistencies in management suggestions, it's necessary to fill this knowledge gap by considering ecological diversity, land use history, forest types and species composition, as well as evolutionary processes.