FLORSTIC COMPOSITIONVEGETATION STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN ZARA NATURAL FOREST IN GETA WOREDA DISTRICT GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA REGION STATE, ETHIOPA.

Abstract

This research was conducted in the Zara Natural Forest to evaluate the diversity of plant species, the structure of the vegetation, and the management practices aimed at conserving the forest. There is a notable absence of documentation concerning plant composition, conservation efforts, and management strategies in the area, as no previous floristic studies have been performed on the dry Afromontane vegetation in the district. The study employed a systematic sampling method, collecting vegetation data from 45 quadrats, each measuring 20m by 20m and spaced 100m apart along four transect lines. These transect lines were established every 500m from each direction within the study area. Additionally, smaller plots of 2m x 2m were created within each major plot for collecting herbaceous data. All plant species within each quadrat were recorded, leading to the identification of 66 plant species across 54 genera and 40 families. Of these, 35% were trees, 33% were shrubs, 23% were herbs, and 9% were climbers. The Fabaceae family was the most prominent, featuring eight species, followed by Astraceae with seven species, Rosaceae with four species, and both Euphorbiaceae and Solanaceae with three species each. The remaining thirty-five families were represented by either one or two species. The forest's total basal area and density were recorded at 19.58 m²/ha and 2542.94 stems/ha, respectively. An analysis of the importance value index revealed that Juniperus procera (59.74%) is the most frequent and dominant species, followed by Podocarpus falcatus (39.55%) and Calpurnia aurea (34.98%). This forest type is more associated with dry Afromontane forests and has a promising start in terms of protection and conservation efforts. Community participation in these efforts was at a moderate level. The study of the forest's regeneration status indicated a low level of regeneration. It is recommended to implement a community-based participatory forest management program to enhance the successful conservation of the Zara natural forest.