Abstract:
The study was conducted in Mukara Forest, Dera District, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Regional State. The main objective of study was to investigate the Floristic Composition, Vegetation Structure and Regeneration Status of Woody Plant Species of Mukara Forest. Systematic sampling was used to collect vegetation data from 43 (20 m x 20 m) (400 m2) quadrats established at every 100 m intervals along transect lines that were 100 m apart from each other, starting from the top of the mountain. To collect data for seedling and sapling plants, three 2 m x 2 m (4 m2) sub plots were laid in each of the main plot, where two were at the corners and one at the center. Diameter at breast height and height were measured for all woody species ≥ 2.5 cm thick and ≥ 2.5 m height while cover abundance values were estimated in the forest. A total of 67 plant species with different growth forms (trees, shrubs, tree/shrub and liana) were recorded from the study area. Vegetation classification of the study area was performed using computer program R software program. Five plant community types were identified and named after two dominant species that have highest mean cover abundance estimate in each community. Shannon-Wiener diversity index was used to calculate species diversity and evenness also calculated. Vegetation structure like density, Diameter at Breast Height, height, frequency, basal area and important value index were calculated. The total density and basal area of Mukara forest was 3023.8 ha-1 and 40.8 m2 / ha respectively. Structural analysis of some selected tree species revealed three different population patterns (bell shaped, J- shaped and inverted J-shaped). Analysis of regeneration status of woody plants in the forest showed “fair” regeneration status. Therefore, some species from the study area revealed regeneration problems and need management measures for sustainability of the forest.
Key Words/Phrases: - plant community, regeneration status species diversity, structural analysis, and tropical rain forest.