The Status of Dry Evergreen Afromontane Forest Patches in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopian dry evergreen afromontane forests are primary biodiversity priority areas including many forest patches of Amhara Region. Natural vegetation of the region is now almost exclusively limited to sacred places, very few protected and less accessible areas. Despite different studies on the various dry evergreen afromontane forest patches of the region, there was not a review work on these forest patches at a regional level. Lack of comprehensive review work creates ambiguity to the understanding of the current status of the forest patches. Scientific information on these forest patches is important for future managerial intervention and sustainable utilization. Thus, the review was aimed to evaluate the status of dry evergreen afromontane forest patches of the Region. Each forest patch contained 15-156 plant species with a total of 525 species under 328 genera and 112 families. Asteraceae was the most species richest family followed by Fabaceae. Most patches harbored considerable number of endemic plant species with a total of 46 species within 44 genera and 26 families. Asteraceae was the most endemic species rich family. Most forest patches had high diversity. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height class analyses of most forest patches revealed an inverted J-shape pattern. Mean basal area of the forest patches ranged from 1 m2h-1 to 115.36 m2h-1. In most forest patches many number of species were put in low frequency classes. The forests had more seedlings and/or saplings than mature individuals. Although each patch had a rich source of biodiversity, it is influenced by severe anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, appropriate managerial interventions are required.