Abstract
The study was carried out at 8<sup>0</sup>55’N-9<sup>0</sup>05’N latitude and 40<sup>0</sup>50’E-40<sup>0</sup>51’E longitude, at Jello-Muktar dry Afromontane forest South eastern Ethiopia to analyze changes in species composition, diversity and species richness under three successional stages. Three sites were selected each with 10 sample plots from each succssional stage. The average distance between the plots was 200 m and the radius was 30m. In each plot, identification, counting and measurement of diameter at breast height (DBH) of all trees and shrubs (DBH≥10cm) was conducted. Comparison of richness (S) between sites and successional stages was analyzed by Chao2 estimator and Rarefaction was performed to compare species richness among sites and successional stages, for unequal number of individuals in sites. The Shannon-Wiener (H’) and the Pielou indices (E) were used to assess the species diversity and evenness indices. A total of 114 species corresponding to 76 tree and 38 shrub species were recorded in the three successional stages. The MS forest was found to have the highest species richness followed by IS and ES successional stages. Analysis of Chao 2 estimator revealed that an average of 89.6% of the total species expected had been found for each successional stage. The MS sites were also found to have the highest mean H’ and H’E indices. The Overall mean measure of evenness was about 0.86 which indicates that the relative homogeneity of the species in the samples was 86% of the maximum possible even population. Different conservation priorities should be implemented to maintain plant species at different successional stages.
Highlights
Within an ecological community, the species composition will change over time as some species become more prominent while others may fade out of existence
The non-equilibrium hypothesis suggests that species richness should be higher at intermediate levels of disturbance [14] since conditions are not so adverse as to eliminate species
An incidence-based species richness Chao 2 estimator based on the number of unique, and the number of duplicates was used to compare richness (S) between sites and successional stages [12]
Summary
The species composition will change over time as some species become more prominent while others may fade out of existence. Anthropogenic disturbances can result in a higher floristic diversity, biomass and density of woody vegetation than the original mature stages [8, 31, 38] when Tropical Afro-Montane Forests are not completely transformed to pastures or fields, intermediate level. No studies were conducted with respect to the variation in floristic composition of woody species under different succsessional patterns in Jello-Muktar forest. In this study comparison of sites representing different successional stages to describe changes in florestic composition, richness and diversity of the trees and shrubs with diameter at breast height (DBH)≥10cm under three successional stages within the Jello-Muktar forest, South-Eastern Ethiopia had been conducted. Selection of the secondary vegetation sites [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
