Forest (tree) species composition, diversity and utilization pattern of Sheka biosphere reserve: Shato forest, southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

The impractical limits of the management plan make the biosphere reserve controversial despite its essential role in biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to assess the plant species composition, diversity, and utilization pattern of Shato forest of the Sheka Biosphere Reserve. A systematic sampling technique was used to collect tree vegetation data from 45 quadrats with 400 m 2 each, with sub-quadrats for saplings and seedlings. A purposive sampling technique was used to select sites and collect representative samples to evaluate anthropogenic impacts on the Shato Forest. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was used to calculate species richness and evenness A total of 57 species of vascular plants belonging to 35 genera and 30 families were identified. Asparagaceae was found dominant in the study area with 281(31.9%) individual plants, followed by Rutaceae 131(14.9%) and Sapotaceae 71(8.07%). Three plant communities were identified in the study area. The overall Shannon–Wiener diversity (H’) and evenness (E) of tree species in the study area were 2.72 and 0.76 respectively. The total density of seedling, sapling, and mature trees was 441.7, 90.6, and 488.9 individuals per ha, respectively. Anthropogenic disturbances have recently had an impact on the ecology and status of plant (tree) biodiversity and conservation interventions needed to mitigate the tragedy of declining forest biodiversity the Shato forest.