Floral diversity, structural integrity, and regeneration patterns of Endba-Zend dry Afromontane forest in Northwestern Ethiopia.

Abstract

This study was carried out at Endba-Zend Forest in Sekela District, Northwestern Ethiopia, to investigate the plant species composition, structure, and regeneration status of a remnant forest. The vegetative data were collected using a systematic sampling technique. Four transects were put throughout a forest, 250 m apart and directed northwest-southeast. To collect vegetative data for trees and lianas, a 20 m ×20 m (400 m²) main plot was established at 50 m intervals. Five nested subplots were arranged at four corners of the main plot and one at the center to collect data for shrubs, herbaceous plants, and the regeneration state of woody species. The diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and cover abundance values were measured with a tape meter, a calibrated stick, and an ocular estimating device, respectively. The Shannon-Weiner and Sorenson's similarity index were used to assess the forest's species diversity. A total of 77 species belonging to 64 genera and 35 families were documented. The most diverse family was Asteraceae, which included 13 species, followed by Solanaceae (7 species). The forest had a total density of 663.95 stems ha^-1. The most common species in the forest area was Mytenus obscura, which occupied 88% of the total plots. Schefflera abyssinica was the dominating species, with higher basal area (BA) (9.84 m² ha^-1) and Important Value Index IVI (52.52%). The Shannon diversity index and evenness values for the forest were 2.6 and 0.75, respectively. Three distinct community types were identified: Vachellia abyssinica-Prunus Africana (Community type I), Mytenus obscura-Vernonia myrianta (Community type II), and Rubus steudneri-Dombeya torrida (Community type III). There was found a substantial similarity between community types I and II (Ss = 0.71). The seedling, sapling, and mature tree ratio indicated a fair regeneration status for the forest. Selective tree cutting and overgrazing cause significant disruptions to the forest environment. As a result, it requires special attention (conservation priority) to ensure the sustainable use of vegetation by offering alternative energy sources to the local community.