Floristic Composition, Structure and Regeneration Status of Hamdo Natural Forest, Gursum Woreda East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted on Hamdo Natural Forest located in Gursum woreda, east Hararghe Zone. The aim of this study was to assess floristic composition, population structure and identifying regeneration status. Systematic sampling method was employed to collect vegetation data by focusing on vegetation homogeneity. A total of 36 quadrats having (30x30m=900 m2) size were sampled. Within each of main quadrat all woody species>2.5cm dbh and 2m height was measured dbh and height. where species <2.5 and <2m height was counted within sub-plot 1mx1m size laid at four corners each and one at the center of the large plot to assess regeneration status. The collected data was organized first on excel and analysis by shaman index and IVI. A total of 50 plant species, representing 36 families and 24 genera were recorded from study area. Fabaceae was the dominant family represented by 3 genera and 10 species. Followed by Anacardiaceae had (6 species, 25%). Combretaceae, Oleaceae and Tiliaceae were the third highest family (3species, 12.5%). The total density of seedling, sapling and mature tree in Hamdo forest was 1007, 648, and 1651 individuals per ha respectively whereas the basal area of the forest was 30.4 m2ha-1. The evidence of population structure and regeneration status of the forest showed the existence of anthropogenic disturbances like overgrazing, illegal cutting of tree for fire wood charcoal and construction. Hence, the establishment of in-situ site through exclosure was sound approach for the sustainable conservation of the study are biodiversity before threatened.