article · Trees Forests and People
An ecological assessment of Menfeskidus Monastery Forest in Berehet district, central Ethiopia, examined its floristic composition, vegetation structure, and regeneration condition. Using systematic sampling across sixty-six quadrats along an altitudinal gradient, the investigation identified 129 plant species belonging to 74 genera and 62 families. The survey measured diameter at breast height, total height, and the density of seedlings and saplings for woody plants. The structural data revealed diverse population patterns across selected woody species, with an overall predominance of small trees and shrubs indicating a secondary forest condition. Given that certain woody species display poor regeneration and require urgent conservation intervention, coordinated action by local and regional stakeholders is needed to establish management strategies that support the sustainable utilisation of forest resources.
Monastery forests often serve as critical refuges for indigenous biodiversity in fragmented landscapes. Documenting species composition and regeneration trends provides the baseline data needed to identify threatened plant populations. This information enables regional environmental bodies and community managers to design targeted conservation interventions and prevent the irreversible loss of local forest ecosystems.
The abstract does not indicate an immediate commercial application pathway, as the research is an early-stage ecological baseline study. However, the botanical inventory and regeneration metrics could be used by environmental planners, forestry organisations, and conservation programme managers to guide sustainable forest harvesting practices and native species propagation programmes in the region.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
This study was conducted in Menfeskidus Monastery Forest in Berehet district North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State, Central Ethiopia, to investigate the floristic composition, species diversity, vegetation structure, and regeneration status of the forest. A systematic sampling design was employed to collect vegetation data. Sixty-six (66) quadrats of 20 m × 20 m were laid at every 100 m interval between each quadrat and 300 m apart between each line transect following the altitudinal gradient. Quadrats of 20 m × 20 m were used to record DBH and the height of all woody plant species reaching a DBH of ≥ 2 cm. For the inventory of seedling and sapling, two subplots of 2 m × 5 m were used at the beginning and the end of the baseline on opposite sides of the main quadrat. Vegetation data such as DBH, height, seedling, and sapling density of woody species were recorded in each quadrat. Altogether, 129 plant species belonging to 74 genera and 62 families were identified. Analysis of selected woody species showed diverse population structures. This study revealed that small trees and shrubs dominated the forest, indicating that it is a secondary forest. Based on the findings of this study some woody species require urgent conservation measures. Therefore, local and regional stakeholders should integrate and work together to develop and implement sound conservation and management strategies that encourage sustainable uses of the forest and its products.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1016/j.tfp.2022.100191
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
