Status and Species Diversity of Alemsaga Forest, Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted on Alemsaga Forest in South Gondar, northwestern Ethiopia with the objectives of determining the status & diversity of plant species. Systematically 58 (20 m × 20 m) plots were sampled along line transects radiating from the peak of the Forest in north-south directions. In each main pots, five subplots (2 m x 2 m) distributed one at each corner and one at the center were laid down to sample herbaceous species. All plots were laid at a distance of 100 m along the transect lines. In each main plot, data on species abundance, height and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of woody plant species and altitude, slope and aspect were recorded. Community classification was performed using R-Free Statistical Software. Shannon-Wiener diversity index were used to compute species diversity between the plant communities. Structure of the forest was analyzed using DBH, basal area and IVI. Results showed that a total of 124 vascular plant species representing 112 genera and 65 families were identified. Asteraceae followed by Fabceae, Malvaceae and Poaceae were the most species rich families. Based on the results of vegetation classification, three plant communities were identified and described. Species richness, diversity and evenness varied among the plant communities. Tukey’s pairwise comparison of means among the plant communities showed significant variations in aspect and slope, implying that these terrain variables are among important factors determining patterns of plant community distribution. Results of structural analysis revealed that the Forest was dominated by small sized trees & shrubs indicating that it is in the stage of secondary development and there are species that require urgent conservation measure. Based on the results of this study, future research directions and appropriate conservation measures for sustainable use of the forest resources are suggested.

Keywords: Diversity, plant community, Alemsaga Forest, sustainable use of forest