Browsing by Author "Fekadu, Mekbib"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Floristic Composition and Diversity Analysis of Vegetation of Awash Melka Kunture Prehistoric Archaeological Site, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2012) Fekadu, Mekbib; Kelbessa, Ensermu (Professor); Awas, Tesfaye (PhD)
    The study was conducted at Awash Melka Kunture Prehistoric Archaeological Site (AMKPAS), in Awash Melka District, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. This study presents the floristic composition, plant community, regeneration status of the area, and recommends further conservation methods. Sixty quadrats of 10 m x 10 m (100 m2) were laid along ten line transects for vegetation data collection. In addition, 1 m x 1 m subplots were laid within the main plot to sample herbaceous plants. A total of 139 plant species in 114 genera and 45 families were identified. Family Poaceae had 24 (14.27%) species followed by Fabaceae 23 (16.55%) species, Asteraceae 16 (11.51) species and Lamiaceae nine (6.47%) species. Out of the 139 plant species collected from the area six species and one subspecies are endemic to Ethiopia. Vegetation classification following R-2.11.1 software package resulted in five communities, namely, Ocimum lamiifolium - Rhus natalensis, Grewia ferruginea – Acacia abyssinica, Acacia seyal - Jasminum grandiflorum, Carissa spinarum - Acacia persiciflora and Acacia lahai - Euclea racemosa. Sorensen’s similarity among the communities revealed that communities 1 and 5 have the highest similarity (71%) followed by communities 1 and 4, and 4 and 5, both exhibited 69% similarity. From nine selected woody species, a total of 183.9 seedlings/ha, 154.79 saplings/ha and 54.38 mature individuals/ha were counted in the sample plots. The study revealed the occurrence of small sized individuals in the study site. Two population distribution patterns were revealed i.e. inverted J and bell -shaped. Moreover, there were more seedlings than saplings which could be attributed to factors that prevent the seedlings from reaching sapling stage. These factors may include expansion of farmlands, browsing by animals and prolonged dry period. On the other hand, some woody species lacked seedlings and saplings in the AMKPAS. Based on the current study clear demarcation and raising awareness among the surrounding community is deemed necessary. Key words/Phrases: Awash Melka Kunture, Community similarity, Floristic composition, Plant community, and Regeneration