Woody Species Composition and Natural Regeneration Status of Ades Forest, Oromia Regional State, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted at Ades forest in West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia, for determining the woody species composition and regeneration status of the forest. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data from 48 (20 m×20 m) main sample plots for woody species that was established along a transect line and spaced at 10 m altitudinal drop, from top to the bottom of the natural forest. Inside the main plot (400 m2), subplots (5 m×5 m) were established to simplify the counting of seedlings and saplings. Species abundance and environmental variables were recorded in each sample plot. A total of 48 woody plant species belonging to 42 genera and 29 families were identified. Fabaceae family had the highest number of taxa followed by Rosaceae and Flacourtiaceae families. Woody plant species densities for mature individuals were 197.9 ha-1, saplings 420 ha-1and 849.5 ha-1for seedlings. Although over all regeneration status of woody plants of the Forest revealed good regeneration status, the presence of anthropogenic disturbance in the area necessitates the need for conservation action in order to ensure sustainable utilisation and management of the Forest.