Species Diversity and Structural Analysis of Komba-Daga Moist Evergreen Forest, Kaffa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the floristic composition, community types, vegetation structure and regeneration status of selected tree species in the Komba-Daga forest, Kaffa zone, Gimbo district of southwest Ethopia. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data. A total of 62 plots each with quadretes of 20 m x 20 m for tree species, 5 m x 5 m for shrubs, seedling and sapling and 1 m x 1 m for herbaceous plants were laid along transect line at 200 m interval. A total of 125 species belonging to 108 genera and 60 families were identified from the study forest. Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae and Rubiaceae were the dominant families in terms of species richness. In addition, vegetation structure (DBH, height, basal area, frequency, IVI) were computed and compared with other similar forests in the country. Inverted J shape, J-shape, bell-shape and irregular patterns species population distribution patterns were recognized. Phyto-geographical comparison of the forest showed the highest similarity with moist montane forests in Ethiopia. The regeneration status of dominant woody species was evaluated based on the number of seedlings, saplings and mature individuals, which was 738.6, 432 and 226.4 individuals per square meter respectively. The studies on the structure and regeneration of the forest indicated that species such as Ekebergia capensis, Pouteria adolfi-friederici and Teclea nobilis require urgent conservation and attention. Detailed study on indigenous knowledge (IK) related to the diverse uses of plant conservation and sustainable use of the forest and its products are recommended to better understand the forest.

Keywords: Komba-Daga forest, local extinction, plant community, species richness

Cite this Article

Kifle Kidane Geneme, Kitessa Hundera, Gemedo Dalle. Species diversity and structural analysis of komba-daga moist evergreen forest, kaffa zone, southwest ethiopia. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2015; 5(3):  14–23p.