Woody Plant Species Diversity, Structure and Regeneration Status of Woynwuha Natural Forest, North West Ethiopia

Abstract

A study was conducted in Woynwuha natural forest, North West Ethiopia to investigate woody plant species diversity, structure, and regeneration status of the forest. A total of 50 square quadrats each having an area of 625m2 were used for vegetation data collection. Vegetation data were collected through field observation, species counting, speciemen  collection  and height and  DBH measurements.  Data  was  analysed using  Shannon Weiner diversity index, Simpson's index, important value index and height and diameter distribution graphs. A total of 69 woody plant species belonging to 41 families and 59 genera were recorded. Fabaceae was the most species-rich family in the area. The overall average Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H`) was 3.24 and the average evenness values (E’) was 0.76 indicating high diversity with more or less even distribution. The computational result of the important value index indicated that Carissa edulis was ecologically most important species. The tree cumulative diameter  class  frequency  distribution  in  general  resembles  interrupted  inverted-J-  shape  pattern  indicating  the existence of much seedling than big sized trees. The same pattern was also observed with regard to height class distribution indicating the selective removal of higher trees by the local communities.