Woody Species Diversity and Vegetation Structure of Wurg Forest, Southwest Ethiopia
Joint Authors
Source
International Journal of Forestry Research
Issue
Vol. 2020, Issue 2020 (31 Dec. 2020), pp.1-17, 17 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2020-10-19
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
17
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
This study was aimed to determine woody species composition, diversity, and vegetation structure and to investigate major threats to Wurg forest, southwest Ethiopia.
In order to collect vegetation data, 64 (400 m2) sample plots from eight transect lines were employed.
The distances between transect lines and plots were 400 m and 200 m, respectively.
DBH of woody species >2.5 cm and the height >2 m were measured and recorded.
Voucher specimens were brought to the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute for identification and deposited there.
R program version 12.5.2 software and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet were used to analyze plant community classification and structural analysis, respectively.
A total of 76 woody species representing 40 families were recorded.
Rubiaceae was the dominant family followed by Asteraceae.
The average Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′) and the average evenness values of Wurg forest were 3.38 and 0.90, respectively.
Four plant community types were identified by using the presence/absence values of each species.
The total density of woody species with DBH > 2.5 cm was 1745.3 ha−1.
The DBH and height class distributions showed an inverted J-shaped pattern, which indicates a good regeneration potential of the forest.
The most frequently observed species (92%) was Syzygium guineense, which contributed 46% of the total basal area.
The composition of seedling, sapling, and adult trees/shrubs species was 4966.07 ha−1, 3125.78 ha−1, and 1745.27 ha−1, respectively.
However, the major threat to the forest was selective cutting of some woody species for various purposes.
Therefore, raising local community awareness on conservation and sustainable use of the forest and exploring various alternatives for local communities’ livelihood and promoting private and community plantations are recommendable.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Boz, Girma& Maryo, Melesse. 2020. Woody Species Diversity and Vegetation Structure of Wurg Forest, Southwest Ethiopia. International Journal of Forestry Research،Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-17.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1170873
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Boz, Girma& Maryo, Melesse. Woody Species Diversity and Vegetation Structure of Wurg Forest, Southwest Ethiopia. International Journal of Forestry Research No. 2020 (2020), pp.1-17.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1170873
American Medical Association (AMA)
Boz, Girma& Maryo, Melesse. Woody Species Diversity and Vegetation Structure of Wurg Forest, Southwest Ethiopia. International Journal of Forestry Research. 2020. Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-17.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1170873
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1170873