Diversity, Regeneration, Structure and Uses of Some Woody Species in Borana Forests of Southern Ethiopia: The Case of Yaballo and Arero Forests

Abstract

Studies on diversity, regeneration, structural and uses of some woody species in the Borana Forests, one of the Afromontane forests of Ethiopia, were made. In order to gather vegetation and environmental data from the study forest, a 900 m² (30 m x 30 m) quadrat was laid following the homogeneity of vegetation. Investigation of the seedling density and regeneration of target species has been carried out using the same quadrat size, 30 m x 30 m. In each of these quadrats, the numbers of all seedlings that are up to the height of 150 cm were recorded. Individuals attaining 150 cm and above in height but less than 10 cm thick were considered as sapling and counted. Interview was conducted for the investigation of the various pressures exerted on different species. A total of 355 plant species belonging to 78 families and three divisions were recorded from the Borana Forests. Of these 2 were gymnosperms and 9 were pteridophyta, while the remaining were angiosperms. Structural and regeneration studies of some woody species indicated that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. To provide a better management and monitoring as well as to maintain the biodiversity, cultural and economic values of the forest unsustainable utility of the forest would be controlled with the various conservation activities in place.

Keywords: Arero Forest, Borana Forests, Endemism, Regeneration, Structure, Yaballo Forest