The Role of Choyta Kaashsha Sacred Forest for Biodiversity Conservation in Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Choyta Kaashsha Sacred Forest in Kucha Woreda, Gamo Zone, Ethiopia to determine floristic composition, plant community types and to identify traditional conservation practices that have maintained the area. Thirty-two (20m X 20m) quadrates were used to collect data. Height and diameter at breast height (DBH ≥2.5cm) of woody species were recorded including altitude, aspect, slop and UTM. In-depth interviews and group discussion were conducted with local people to identify conservation status and threats. Vegetation structure was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. Vegetation classification was performed using PC-ORD version 5.0. Species diversity and evenness were computedusing Shannon diversity indices. Forty eight woody species belonging to 44 genera and 32 families were recorded. Four community types Euphorbia ampliphylla-Celtis Africana, Podocarpus falcatus-Millettia ferruginea, Ficus thonningiiPodocarpus falcatus and Syzygium guineense- Bersama abyssinica were identified. The total density and basal area of sacred forest are 1314.84 stems/ha and 102.63 m2/ha, respectively. The density of woody species was decreasing with increasing height and DBH classes. The findings revealed the sacred forest has exclusively been conserved for socioreligious purpose in relation with Eeqa - Gaca ritual ceremony. Nevertheless, the long maintained sacred forest is exposed to threat due to anthropogenic pressure. Disrespecting social taboos, Gome, and religious prohibitions, argument on ownership issues are worth mentioning threats. Proper recognition of customary rule of ritual leader and local resource use norm confined with social taboo, Gome, reinforced by contemporary conservation measures were recommended to maintain the sustainability of the sacred forest.