Ecological Study of the Shrubland Vegetation around Ambo, West Shewa Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Central Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2012-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study area is located around Ambo, West Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State. This study
was carried out with the aim of compiling floristic composition, population structure and
community types. Fifty two, 20 m x 20 m quadrats were selected and all the plants in the quadrats
were recorded. The cover abundance values were estimated. DBH, height, and density count for
woody species in all the quadrats were registered. A total of 110 species belonging to 98 genera and
48 families were recorded from 52 sample plots and identified at the National Herbarium (ETH),
Addis Ababa University. The Asteraceae family was represented by the highest number of species
(16) followed by Fabaceae (13) and Poaceae (8). Five community types were identified and
described. The plant communities were named after two or three of the dominant species and/or
characteristic species selected by their synoptic value. The plant community differed in species
diversity, frequency of occurrence and botanical composition of species. The Rosa abyssinica-
Galium aparinoides community type had the highest species diversities whereas Vernonia
amygdalin-Erythrina brucei-Juniperus procera and Bidens pilosa - Microlepia strigosa - Capparis
tomentosa communities had the lowest. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices were computed to
measure species diversity and it revealed that species diversity is high in communities 1, 5, 4, 2 and
3 respectively. This is probably due to high rate of disturbance in the communities. The natural
environment is under threat from various farming and grazing practices. Based on the result of the
study, continuous discussion between local communities and various stakeholders as well as
detailed ecological studies were recommended
Keywords/phrases: Cluster analysis, Diversity, Dominant species, Floristic composition,
Vegetation, Vegetation structure
Description
Keywords
Cluster Analysis, Diversity, Dominant Species, Floristic Composition, Vegetation, Vegetation Structure