Vol. 78 No. 2 (2023)
Articles

Species diversity and vegetation structure of woody plants in regenerating Juniperus forest replacing Eucalyptus in the conservation area of Gullele Botanic Garden, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

PDF
  • Ergua Atinafe,
  • Odile Weber,
  • Ib Friis,
  • Talemos Seta
Ergua Atinafe
Gullele Botanic Garden, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Odile Weber
Section de botanique, Musée national d’histoire naturelle de Luxembourg, 24 rue Münster, L-2160
Ib Friis
Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK2100 Copenhagen K
Talemos Seta
Department of Biology (Botanical Science), Dilla University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/jopt-14656

Published 2023-10-10

Keywords

  • Baseline study,
  • Central Ethiopian Plateau,
  • conservation of biodiversity,
  • conservation of vegetation,
  • Dry Afromontane Forest,
  • frequency,
  • Juniperus procera,
  • plant community analyses,
  • population structure
    • ...More
    Less

How to Cite

Atinafe, E., Weber, O., Friis, I., & Seta, T. (2023). Species diversity and vegetation structure of woody plants in regenerating Juniperus forest replacing Eucalyptus in the conservation area of Gullele Botanic Garden, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia . Webbia, 78(2), 49–71. https://doi.org/10.36253/jopt-14656

Copyright (c) 2023 Ergua Atinafe, Odile Weber, Ib Friis, Talemos Seta

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The Gullele Botanic Garden (GBG) adjoins the north-western limit of the city of Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. The floristic composition, species diversity and vegetative structure of the woody plant species in the conservation area of the garden are presented from 81 plots (20 m x 20 m). A total of 104 woody plant species (90% indigenous, the rest planted or naturalised) of 83 genera and 47 families were recorded. The dominant families were Fabaceae and Asteraceae. The number of individuals of the most dominant species, Juniperus procera, decreases with increasing DBH and height class, which indicates a good and healthy reproduction potential of the species in the conservation area. No statistically meaningful plant communities could be identified in the conservation area. Many of the species present in the dry forests of the central Ethiopian plateau occur in GBG. The species richness appears to be relatively high in comparison with what other researchers have found in natural forests on the highland plateau; 87 native woody species (of which 11 are planted) in GBG, 57-97 (cumulatively 127) in Wof-Washa, 32-85 (cumulatively 113) in Menagesha and 41-77 (cumulatively 81) in Chilimo, 34-67 (cumulatively 69) in Entoto, though the definitions for woody species have varied between studies. Clustering on the floristic data gives four partly overlapping clusters with the lowest p-values for indicator species, but the distribution of the plots on clusters changes notably if information on Eucalyptus is in- or excluded. Ordination graphs with partly overlapping groups of species are presented. The findings in this paper can serve as a baseline to follow the regeneration of the conservation area towards natural forest. This is needed for future management and sustainable utilization of the forest species at local and national levels.

PDF

References

  1. Abiyou Tilahun, Teshome Soromessa, Ensermu Kelbessa (2015). Structure and Regeneration Status of Menagesha Amba Mariam Forest in Central Highlands of Shewa, Ethiopia. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 4(4): 184-194.
  2. Abiyou Tilahun (2018) Vegetation Ecology and Carbon Stock of Wof-Washa Forest, North Shewa, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. PhD Dissertation, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa. http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/17388
  3. Addis Negari Gazeta (2009). Proclamation for the Establishment of the Gullele Botanic Garden. Addis Negari Gazeta of the City Government of Addis Ababa 2(3): 1-12. https://chilot.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/proclamation-no-18.pdf
  4. Addisu Asefa, Anteneh Shimelis & Kinahan, Anouska A. (2015). Assessment of threat status in the northern Afromontane forests of the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management 8(3): 318-329.
  5. Aerts, Raf, Overtveld, Koen van, November, Eva, Alemayehu Wassie, Abrham Abiyu, Sebsebe Demissew, Desalegn D. Daye, Kidane Giday, Mitiku Haile, Sarah Tewolde Berhan, Demel Teketay, Zewge Teklehaimanot, Binggeli, Pierre, Deckers, Jozef, Friis, Ib, Gratzer, Georg, Hermy, Martin, Heyn, Moïra, Honey, Olivier, Paris, Maxim, Sterck, Frank J., Muys, Bart, Bongers, Frans, Healey, John R. (2016). Conservation of the Ethiopian church forests: Threats, opportunities and implications for their management. Science of The Total Environment 551–552: 404-414. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.02.034
  6. Ahmed Endris, Ali Seid & Addisu Asefa (2017). Structure and regeneration status of woody plants in the Hallideghie wildlife reserve, North East Ethiopia. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation 9(6): 200-211.
  7. Alemayehu Wassie, Demel Teketay & Powell, N. (2005). Church Forests in North Gonder Administrative Zone, Northern Ethiopia. Forests, Trees and Livelihoods 15(4): 349-373.
  8. Amanuel Ayanaw Abunie & Gemedo Dalle Tussie (2018). Woody Species Diversity, Structure, and Regeneration Status of Yemrehane Kirstos Church Forest of Lasta Woreda, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. International Journal of Forestry Research 1: 1-8.
  9. Aramde Fetene, Tsegaye Bekele & Mulugeta Lemenih (2010). Diversity of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPS) and their Source Species in Menagesha Suba Forest. Ethiop. J. Biol. Sci., 9(1): 11-34.
  10. Belay Assefa, Tamrat Bekele & Sileshi Nemomissa (2014). Impact of land use type on soil seed bank flora in Chilimo Forest, Ethiopia: Implications for natural restoration of vegetation. Ethiopian Journal of Biological Sciences 13(2): 117-133. http://ejol.ethernet.edu.et/index.php/EJBS/article/view/631/606
  11. Borsch, Thomas & Löhne, Cornelia (2014). Botanical Gardens for the future: Integrating research, conservation, environmental education and public recreation. Ethiopian Journal of Biological Sciences, 13(Supp.), 115-133. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ejbs/article/view/131888
  12. Catford, Jane A., Daehler, Curtis C., Murphy, Helen T., Sheppard, Andy W., Hardesty, Britta D., Westcott, David A., Rejmánek, Marcel, Bellingham, Peter J. et al. (2012). The intermediate disturbance hypothesis and plant invasions: Implications for species richness and management. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. 14(3): 231–41. doi:10.1016/j.ppees.2011.12.002.
  13. Darbyshire, Iain, Lamb, Henry & Mohammed Umer (2003). Forest clearance and regrowth in Northern Ethiopia during the last 3000 years. The Holocene 13(4): 537-546. DOI: 10.1191/0959683603hl644rp
  14. Demel Teketay & Tamrat Bekele (1995). Floristic composition of Wof-Washa natural forest, Central Ethiopia: Implications for the conservation of biodiversity. Feddes Repertorium 106(1-2): 127-147.
  15. Dinkissa Beche (2011) Floristic composition, diversity and structure of woody species in Menagesha Suba State Forest, Central Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa. http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/3992
  16. Dufrêne, M. & Legendre, P. (1997). Species Assemblages and Indicator Species: The Need for a Flexible Asymmetrical Approach. Ecological Monographs 67: 345-366. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2963459
  17. Eggeling, William J. (1947). Observations on the Ecology of the Budongo Rain Forest, Uganda. Journal of Ecology. 34(1): 20–87. https://doi.org/10.2307/2256760
  18. Ergua Atinafe, Ephrem Assefa, Birhanu Belay, Yemenzwork Endale & Talemos Seta (2020). Floristic Diversity and Natural Regeneration Status of Entoto Mountain and the Surrounding Area in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. HINDAWI-International Journal of Forest Research 2020: Article ID 4936193. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/4936193
  19. Ewnet Ayele Kabeto (2020). The survival pattern of planted trees during Hamle 22/2011E.C. in Gullele Gotanical Garden (GBG) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa. http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/24723
  20. Fekadu Debushe (2008). Impact of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Plantation on the regeneration of woody species at Entoto Mountain, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa. http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/5447
  21. Fekadu Debushe, Teshome Soromessa & Mekuria Argaw (2015). Structure, Species Composition and Status of Naturally Regenerated Woody Species in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (Myrtaceae) Plantation at Entoto Mountain, Ethiopia. Journal of Environmental and Earth Science 5(Article 15): 1-13.
  22. Fikadu Yirga, Mequannt Marie, Sosina Kassa & Mebrahtu Haile (2019). Impact of altitude and anthropogenic disturbance on plant species composition, diversity, and structure at the Wof-Washa highlands of Ethiopia. Heliyon, 5(8), e02284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02284
  23. Feyera Senbeta (2006). Biodiversity and ecology of Afromontane rain forest with wild Coffea arabica, 1. Population in Ethiopia. Ph.D. thesis, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. https://cuvillier.de/uploads/preview/public_file/4642/3865378072.pdf
  24. Fisseha Asmelash & Meley Mekonen Rannestad (2022). Challenges and strategy for successful restoration of dry evergreen Afromontane forests of Ethiopia. (June 5, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4194276 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4194276
  25. Friis, Ib, Sebsebe Demissew, Breugel, Paulo van (2010). Atlas of the Potential Vegetation of Ethiopia. Biologiske Skrifter [of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters] 58: 1-308.
  26. Friis, Ib, Sebsebe Demissew, Breugel, Paulo van (2011). Atlas of the Potential Vegetation of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa University Press and Shama Books.
  27. Friis, Ib, Breugel, Paulo van, Weber, Odile, Sebsebe Demissew (2022). The Western Woodlands of Ethiopia. A study of the woody vegetation and flora between the Ethiopian Highlands and the lowlands of the Nile Valley in the Sudan and South Sudan. Scientia Danica, ser B – Biologica 9: 1-521.
  28. Gebremicael Fisaha, Kitessa Hundera & Gemedo Dalle Tussie (2013). Woody plants’ diversity, structural analysis and regeneration status of Wof Washa natural forest, North-east Ethiopia. African Journal of Ecology 51: 599–608.
  29. Getachew Tesfaye (2001). Regeneration of fourteen tree species in Harenna forest in the southern slopes of Bale Mountains, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa.
  30. Getinet Masresha, Yirgalem Melkamu (2022). The Status of Dry Evergreen Afromontane Forest Patches in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia, International Journal of Forestry Research. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8071761
  31. Gideon Woldemariam, Sebsebe Demissew & Zemede Asfaw (2016). Woody Species Composition, Diversity and Structure of Kumuli Dry Evergreen Afromontane Forest in Yem District, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Environment and Earth Science 6(3): 53-65.
  32. Girma Boz & Melesse Maryo (2020). Woody Species Diversity and Vegetation Structure of Wurg Forest, Southwest Ethiopia. International Journal of Forestry Research 2020: 53-65.
  33. Habtamu Agonafir & Melese Worku (2017). Carbon Stock in Gullele Botanical Garden: Implications for Carbon Emission Reduction, North Western Addis Ababa. Journal of Environment and Earth Science 7(2): 40-52.
  34. Haile Yineger, Ensermu Kelbessa, Tamrat Bekele & Ermias Lulekal (2008). Floristic Composition and Structure of the Dry Afromontane Forest at Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science 31: 103-120.
  35. Hylander, Kristoffer & Hylander, Eva (1995). Mount Zuquala - an upland forest of Ethiopia. Floristic inventory and analysis of the state of conservation. Vaxtekologi. Botaniska Institutionen Stockholms Universitet 1995(4): 1-27 & Appendix 1-4
  36. Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (2005). National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Addis Ababa.
  37. Lance, G. N. & Williams, W. T. (1967). A General Theory of Classificatory Sorting Strategies 1. Hierarchical Systems. The Computer Journal 9(4): 373-380. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/comjnl/9.4.373
  38. Mammo Siraj & Kebin Zhang (2018). Structure and natural regeneration of woody species at central highlands of Ethiopia. Journal of Ecology and the Natural Environment 10(7): 147-158.
  39. Mather, Paul M. (1976). Computational methods of multivariate analysis in physical geography. 530 pp.
  40. McCune, Bruce & Mefford, M. J. (1999). PC-ORD: Multivariate Analysis of Ecological Data. Version 4 for Windows. MjM Software Design. 239 pp.
  41. McCune, Bruce, Grace, James B. & Urban, Dean L. (2002). Analysis of Ecological Communities. MJM Software. 304 pages.
  42. Mengistie Kindu, Schneider, Thomas, Alemayehu Wassie, Mulugeta Lemenih, Demel Teketay & Knoke, Thomas (eds.) (2022). State of the Art in Ethiopian Church Forests and Restoration Options. Springer Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86626-6
  43. Minakshi Mahajan & Rafiq Zakaria (2017). Frequency, Abundance and Density of Plant species by list Count Quadrat Method. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research 3: 21-28.
  44. Mulugeta Lemenih & Demel Teketay (2004). Restoration of native forest flora in the degraded highlands of Ethiopia: Constraints and opportunities. SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science, 27(1):75–90.
  45. Nagendra, Harini (2002). Opposite trends in response for the Shannon and Simpson indices of landscape diversity. Applied Geography 22(2): 175-186.
  46. Pankhurst, Richard (2001). The Ethiopians. A History. Blackwell, Oxford.
  47. Pohjonen, Veli & Pukkala, Timo (1990). Eucalyptus globulus in Ethiopian forestry. Forest Ecology and Management. 36: 19-31.
  48. Reeder, Carl M. (2013). Thesis assessment of Gullele Botanic Gardens conservation strategy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, research from the peace corps masters international program submitted by Carl M. Reeder. Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship In partial fulfilment of the requirements For the Degree of Master of Science Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado Fall 2013. https://mountainscholar.org/bitstream/handle/10217/81072/Reeder_colostate_0053N_12139.pdf
  49. Reusing, Matthias (1998). Monitoring of Forest Resources in Ethiopia. Report compiled for the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources Management & Regulatory Department) in cooperation with the German Agency for Technical Cooperation. http://publication.eiar.gov.et:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/1055/Monitoring%20of%20Forest%20Resources%20in%20Ethionia.pdfAbbyyy.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
  50. Sebsebe Demissew (1988). The floristic composition of Menagesha State Forest and the need to conserve such forests in Ethiopia. Mountain Research and Development 8(2-3): 243-247.
  51. Sebsebe Demissew, Friis, Ib & Weber, Odile (2021). Diversity and endemism of the flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea: state of knowledge and future perspectives. Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali 32(4): 675-697.
  52. Simon Shibru & Girma Balcha (2004). Composition, structure and regeneration status of woody species in Dindin Natural Forest, Southeast Ethiopia: an implication for conservation. Ethiopian Journal of Biological Science, 3, 15-35.
  53. Simon Shibru & Zerihun Woldu (2006). Comparative floristic study on Mt. Alutu and Mt. Chubbi along an altitudinal gradient. Journal of the Drylands 1(1): 8-14.
  54. Stepper, Christoph, Straub, Christoph & Pretzsch, Hans (2015). Assessing height changes in a highly structured forest using regularly acquired aerial image data. Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research. 88: 304-316. https://doi.org/10.1093/forestry/cpu050
  55. Talemos Seta & Birhanu Belay (2021). Botanic Garden Profile Gullele Botanic Garden, Addis Ababa (Ethiopia): Current status, Challenges and Opportunities. Sibbaldia: The International Journal of Botanic Garden Horticulture Online Issue 21. https://doi.org/10.24823/Sibbaldia.2021.313 & erratum https://journals.rbge.org.uk/rbgesib/article/view/313/1875
  56. Tamrat Bekele (1993a). Vegetation Ecology of Remnant Afromontane Forests on the Central Plateau of Shewa, Ethiopia. PhD Dissertation, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. [Not seen].
  57. Tamrat Bekele (1993b). Vegetation ecology of remnant Afromontane forests on the central plateau of Shewa, Ethiopia. Acta phytogeographica Suecica 79: 1-59.
  58. Tekle Woldegerima, Kumelachew Yeshitela & Lindley, Sarah (2017). Ecosystem services assessment of the urban forests of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Urban Ecosystems 20: 683–699
  59. Tesfaye Bogale, Demeke Datiko & Shiferew Belachew (2017). Structure and Natural Regeneration Status of Woody Plants of Berbere Afromontane Moist Forest, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia; Implication to Biodiversity Conservation. Open Journal of Forestry 7: 352-371.
  60. Teshome Soromessa & Ensermu Kelbessa (2014). Interplay of Regeneration, Structure and Uses of Some Woody Species in Chilimo Forest, Central Ethiopia. Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal 3(1): 90-100.
  61. Tewolde Berhan Gebre Egziabher (1989). The environmental variables which led to the ecological crisis in Ethiopia. Coenoses 4: 61-67. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43461263
  62. Zeleke Kebebew (2012). Chilimo Forest change analysis. FARM Africa Natural Resource Management Programme. FARM Africa Natural Resource Management Programme. 8 pp. https://www.farmafrica.org/downloads/chilimo-forest-change-analysis.pdf
  63. Zeleny, David (2013). Analysis of community ecology data in R. https://www.davidzeleny.net/anadat-r/doku.php/en:diversity_analysis (accessed on 10.4.2023)