Abstract
This study was conducted on Doshke forest in Chencha wereda, Gamo Gofa zone, South Ethiopia, with the objective of determining woody vegetation composition, structuren, and community types of woody plant species. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data. A total of 42 quadrats each with 400 m2 (20 m X 20 m) were established along four lines transects for woody species and regenerations. All the collected woody plant species were identified in National Herbarium of Ethiopia. Data used to describe vegetation structure were recorded from the quadrats. Sorensens’s similarity coefficient and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were also used to detect similarities and to compute species diversity and evenness respectively. A total of 44 woody species belonging to 40 genera and 28 families were recorded in the forest. The family Myrsinaceae and Rubiaceae were found to exhibit the highest number of species each with 4 species. The hierarchical cluster analysis using PC-ORD version 5.0 computer programs revealed four community types, of which Maesa lanceolata-Allophylus abyssinicus community type (C2) exhibited the highest species diversity and evenness. The structural analysis of Doshke forest revealed that the density of tree species in Doshke forest decreases with increasing height and DBH classes. The forest is characterized by high density of woody species in the lower class than in the higher. The most dominant tree species recorded were Syzygium guineense, Ilex mitis, and Galiniera saxiferaga. Three layers of woody species were identified from the study of vertical stratification. Studies on the regeneration of the forest indicated that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. Generally, Doshke forest possesses many economically and ecologically important plant species. It can be considered as the biodiversity conservation center in general and the forest genetic resources conservation in particular.
Highlights
Ethiopia is known as the biodiversity hotspot and center of origin and diversification for a significant number of plants, animals, and their wild relatives due to its dramatic geological history, broad latitudinal spread, and immense altitudinal range
As determined through the present study, the floristic composition of Doshke forest consists of 44 woody plant species with the dominant families being Myrsinaceae and Rubiaceae
Since the collected woody species were composed of the highest number of trees, followed by shrubs and lianas, it can be generalized that the forest vegetation of the study area is dominated by the highest proportion of tree species
Summary
Ethiopia is known as the biodiversity hotspot and center of origin and diversification for a significant number of plants, animals, and their wild relatives due to its dramatic geological history, broad latitudinal spread, and immense altitudinal range. This variety led to the emergence of habitats that are suitable for the evolution and survival of various plants and animal species, which contributes to the overall biodiversity of the country [1]. The natural forest cover of the country has been diminishing over times due to various human induced pressures such as rapid population growth, extensive forest clearing for cultivation, overgrazing, and exploitation of forests for fuel wood and construction materials without replanting [4]. The ever-increasing demands for forest products and forestland together with the increase in human population are putting unbearable pressure on the remaining forest
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