Anthropogenic effects on floristic composition, diversity and regeneration potential of the Debrelibanos Monastery forest patch, central Ethiopia

This study assesses the effects of human disturbance on: (1) floristic composition, diversity, and plant community types; and, (2) the regeneration potential of woody species in the Debrelibanos Monastery forest patch in the North Showa zone of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Fifty sample quadrats were placed on parallel transect lines along altitudes in the forest using a systematic sampling design. Quadrats of 1 m2, 100 m2 and 400 m2 were used for recording herbaceous/seedling, sapling and tree species, respectively, with symptoms of different human disturbance effects. One hundred and thirteen species belonging to 52 families were recorded in the forest patch. The results show 459.5 stems ha−1 of tree/shrub species present. Four community types, namely Juniperus procera–Acacia lahai, Carissa spinarum–Acacia abyssinica, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata–Euphorbia abyssinica and Ficus sur–Allophylus abyssinicus were identified. The overall Shannon–Wiener diversity index was 3.3. The regeneration patterns of some species were poor. Slope, altitude and human activities had significant effects on vegetation patterns and imply that current management practices are not satisfactory to sustain the forest. Unless improved management interventions are made, the sustainability of forest services will be at stake.