Structure and Regeneration Status of Menagesha Amba Mariam Forest in Central Highlands of Shewa, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Menagesha Amba Mariam Forest, a dry evergreen afromontane forest in central highlands of Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to determine vegetation structure, and regeneration status of the forest. Sixtynine sample plots (20 m x 20 m) were laid following altitudinal gradient and each quadrat has a 125 m altitudinal drop. Herbaceous species were collected from five (1 m x 1 m) sub-plots laid at four corners each and one at the centre of the large quadrat. All plant species found in each plot were recorded, collected, pressed and identified following Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and height were measured for trees and shrubs having DBH > 2.5 cm. The analysis of vegetation revealed that the forest possesses the highest number of DBH, height and density of species at the lower classes. Vertical stratification revealed that most of the species in the Menagesha Amba Mariam Forest were found in the lower storey. The total density of tree stems per hectare and basal area of trees with DBH >2.5 cm were 4,362.08 and 84.17 m2 ha-1 respectively. The total density of tree species greater than 2 cm and 10 cm DBH were found to be 860.56 which is greater than those with DBH >20 cm (197.46). Thus, the regeneration prevalence of small individuals (seedlings and saplings) was at good condition. Menagesha Amba Mariam Forest, which is one of the remnant dry evergreen afromontane forests in central Ethiopia, is under high degree of anthropogenic impact, which needs further attention as it is quite close to the nearby towns.