Effect of Environmental Gradient on Species Composition and Structure of Gemeshat Forest, North Wollo, Ethiopia

Abstract

A study on Gemeshat remnant forest sites were conducted to determine their woody species diversity and structure to provide information for a sustainable management of the forest. A total of 60 quadrants, measuring 20 × 20 m each, were established along line transects laid across Gemshat forest using stratified random sampling. Sixty   species, representing 38 families and 60 genera, were recorded and documented. From all the species identified, 29(48.3%) and 31(51.7%) were trees and shrubs respectively. The major families are Fabaceae and Oleaceae. The highest diversity of woody species was 3.3 recorded in Chekaw forest followed by 3.1 in kelta forest while their corresponding evenness values were 0.81 and 0.86 respectively. The vegetation structure of Gemeshat forest implies that larger diameter classes are lost because of illegal cutting of woody species by local inhabitants for firewood collection and timber production. The highest basal area is recorded by Chekaw forest (6.28 m²ha^-1) followed by kelta forest (4.09m²ha^-1). IVI values of woody species ranges from 0.6 to 63.55. The forest requires urgent conservation measures by minimizing grazing of livestock and selective tree cuttings. Moreover, the remnant forest patches host several woody species, wild animals and bird species. Based on the results, regeneration status of the forest and appropriate conservation measures for sustainable use of the forest resources are suggested.

Keywords: Species diversity, Importance value index (IVI), Population Structure, sustainable use of forest