Woody Species Diversity, Structure and Regeneration Status in Weiramba Forest of Amhara Region, Ethiopia: Implications of Managing Forests for Biodiversity Conservation

This study was conducted in Weiramba Forest, with the aim of determining the composition, structure, diversity and regeneration status of the woody species found in the area. A systematic sampling method was used to conduct the vegetation sampling. In order to collect vegetation data a total of 40 quadrats, each with the size of 10 m x 20 m at an interval of 100 m, were laid along the established transects at 200 m apart. For the assessment of seedling and sapling, two sub-quadrats each with the size of 2 m x 5 m were established at opposite sides of the main quadrat. In each main plot, data on species abundance, height, and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of woody plant species and altitude, slope and aspect were recorded. Woody Species Diversity analysis was carried out by using Shannon Weiner index. Results revealed that the total of 32 species representing 28 genera and 20 families were recorded in the forest. The Shannon Weiner diversity index and evenness were resulted to be 2.30 and 0.66, respectively. The population structure revealed in diameter and height class frequency distribution was to be Bell- shape with a very high decrease towards the lower and higher diameter and height classes. The total basal area of the forest was 32.10 m2/ha. Results of population structure of woody plants and regeneration status analysis in the forest revealed that the Forest was dominated by small-sized trees and shrubs indicating that it is in the stage of secondary development and there is a need for conservation priority for species with poor regeneration status. From the point of view of managing forests for biodiversity conservation, the result suggested that the forest should be conserved and protected in a sustainable way for further biodiversity conservation. Keywords: Weiramba Forest, Diversity, Structure, Woody species Composition, Regeneration