The Effects of Disturbance on Woody Species Composition, Structure and Regeneration Status In Ura Natural Forest, Guangua district, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia had diverse forest resources. However, it become decreasing and 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 reconnaissance site visit and consultation with key informants. The three transect lines were laid systematically with 200 m distance apart, and rectangular plots of 10 m*20 m (200 m²) size were laid at 50 m distance interval along each transect, making up a total of 27 plots. 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 classes, and one-way ANOVA and mean comparison tests were used to examine significant differences among disturbance classes. The total of 37 woody species and 27 families were recorded. Based structural analysis only Croton macrostachyus, with an inverted-J shape. It is conclude that woody species composition was affected by human disturbance. So that a concentrated form of forest conservation should be given to protect from excessive human disturbance.