Abstract
Ethiopia had diverse forest resources. However, it is decreasing over time and leaving the country’s forest with only remnant patches. So, the current study was conducted to examine the species composition, structure, and regeneration status of woody plant species along the disturbance gradients. In order to collect data, the forest was first stratified into Low Disturbed (LD), Moderately Disturbed (MD, and Heavily Disturbed (HD) based on information from a reconnaissance site visit and consultation with key informants. The three transect lines were laid systematically, 200 m apart, and rectangular plots of 10 m by 20 m (200 m2) were laid at a 50 m distance interval along each transect, making up a total of 27 plots. The DBH and height of all woody individuals with ≥ 5 cm and ≥ 2 m were measured, respectively. Seedling and sapling data were recorded in four subplots of 2 m*5 m (10 m2) in the opposite corner of the main plot. Woody species density, richness, evenness, diversity, frequency, and IVI were determined for each disturbance class, and one-way ANOVA and mean comparison tests were used to examine significant differences among disturbance classes. A total of 37 woody species and 27 families were recorded. Based on structural analysis, only Croton macrostachyus has an inverted J shape. It is concluded that woody species was affected by human disturbance. So that a concentrated form of forest conservation should be given to protect from excessive human disturbance.