Floristic composition and structural analysis of Susgen-Bosena forest, Ambasel district, North Wollo, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Forest patches harbour a significant number of rare and endangered species. So far, no attempt has been made to assess the species composition of Susgen-Bosena forest patch. Such study would be vital to designm appropriate forest management and stepping ground to restore a degraded landscape. Field data was ncollected on 30 sampling plots using systematic random sampling. Plant specimens were collected, identified, and placed in National Herbarium of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University. The data were analysed using R Software. 180 plant species, which belong to 139 genera and 68 families, were recorded from 3 plant community types. The community types recognized were community type-I (Ekebergia capensis Spamn., Bersama abyssinica Spamn. and Myrica salicifolia A.Rich.), community type-II (Olea europaea subsp cuspidata (Wall. Ex DC.) Cifferri., Nuxia congesta R.Br.ex Fresen. and Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims and, community type-III (Olinia rochetiana A. Juss. and Juniperus procera L.). Altitude, slope, aspect, terrain ruggedness index, landform, and topographic wetness index were investigated for their influence on species distribution. Results found from the data indicated that altitude and slope affected significantly (P<0.05) species distribution in the study area. The ratio of the seedling to saplings was 1.2:1, and a sapling to mature individuals was 18.6:1. The result showed the presence of more seedlings than saplings, and mature trees, which indicated successful regeneration of forest species in the study forest. In conclusion, the present study provides additional evidence with respect to the contribution of forest patch in harboring plant species.