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Woody plant species diversity of Shello Giorgis dry Afromontane forest, Farita district, West Amhara, Ethiopia


Biodiversity International Journal
Tensay Ayalew,1 Edget Merawi,1 Sisay Alemu2

Abstract

The study was conducted in Shello Giorgis Afromontane forest, Farita District; Western Amhara Region, Ethiopia to investigate woody plant species diversity. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the indigenous woody plant species, regeneration status and to set priority list of woody plant species for the vegetation of the area. The data was collected using a systematic and predetermined sampling system with the main quadrate of 50mx 10m size and sub-quadrate of 10m x 2m size were established with in the main quadrate at the longest sides of both ends. A total of 40 plots within 20000m2 were discovered and representative plant specimens with basic information were collected. The major land cover types of the study area belongs to open woodland, wooded shrub and bush land at lower and flat part of the vegetation area. In the vegetation area there are factors that cause deforestation and disturbance of forests, among the major disturbance factors grazing, cutting, increment of agricultural land and charcoal production take the priority. A total of 50 plant specimens were collected, pressed and dried; out of which 46 specimens were identified. Among the 30 seedling plant species recorded Calpurnia aurea, Opuntia ficus-indica, Dodoaea angustifoliaandCroton macrostachyus respectively take the highest seedling density of the study area. In contrast no seedling densities were recorded in the plant species of Celtis africana, Olea europaea, Buddleja polystachya and Premna oligotrricha. This indicates appropriate conservation methods should apply to protect plants in the area.

Keywords

seedling, sapling, forest, vegetation, species

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