Journal of Biodiversity & Endangered Species

Woody species diversity, Regeneration and population structure along altitude gradient in Alemsaga Forest, South Gondar, North Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Enyew Esubalew

AForest ecosystems play a significant role in the biodiversity conservation, in regulating climate protection of hydrological services, and in regulating climate. Poor management of forest that leads the distraction of wood species diversity. The study was carried out to quantify the woody plant diversity and population structure in Alemsaga Forest, South Gondar zone. Collection of vegetation data was made using a systematic sampling method; laying six transect lines with 500 m apart and 54 quadrants 20 m X 20 m established 200 m distance to each other along the transect lines. Abundance, DBH and heights of all woody species were recorded within 400 m2 for trees, 25 m2 for sapling and 1 m2 for seedling. The ShannonWiener diversity index was computed to describe the woody species diversity. One way ANOVA was used to test the significance difference of diversity indices along altitude. A total of 66 woody plant species belong to 42 families were identified, which had 2.51±0.28 and 0.94±0.25 mean value of diversity indices and evenness respectively. Both diversity and evenness decreased with increased of altitude. The population structure and regeneration of forest was inverted J shape. This study provides important information about their regeneration status in order to develop management approaches, and protecting threatened and economically important species.