Kelbessa Ensermu (PhD)Bekele Tamrat (PhD)Tadesse Negusse2018-07-092023-11-092018-07-092023-11-092006-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7159An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Sof Umer area of Bale in September and November 2005 and April, 2006 on ecology and plant use diversity. Data were collected by using ethnobotanical methods that include guided field walk, semi-structured interview and focus group discussion. Two hundred thirteen plant species that belong to 148 genera and 68 families were documented. The highest species number is in family Fabaceae which is represented by 25 species (11.7 %), while Acanthaceae 18 species (8.5 %), Asteraceae 10 species (4.6%), Burseraceae 10 species (4.6) and Poaceae 10 species (4.6%). Considering growth form herbs are represented by 79 species (37.1%), shrubs 62 species (29.1%), trees 58 Species (27%), climbers 12 species (5.6%) and 2 parasitic species (0.94%). Nine major plant use diversity were documented. Those are: medicinal (46 species used for treatment of human diseases & 21 species those used in ethnoveterinary), wild edible (23 species), fire (36 species) & charcoal production (17 species), in beekeeping (27 species), forage (53 species), material culture (33 species), perfuming and cleansing (13 species), religious and cultural (8 species) and shade (13) species. From preference ranking activities, charcoal production and cutting trees for forage were major cause of species threat on the vegetation. Tradtional beliefs and taboos have seen very important for resource conservation. Vegetation data were collected from 52 releves that were distributed in altitudinal range between 1181-1317 m. Percentage cover/abundance of 118 plant species was analyzed using TWINSPAN program that resulted in 6 community types. These are: Ruspolia hypocrateriforms-Commiphora erythreae, Acacia mellifera-Euclea divinorum, Barleria quadrispina-Ruellia discifolia, Lannea triphylla- Carphalea glaucescens, Baphia sp.- Combretum molle and Acacia tortilis community types. The community’s Shannon diversity (H`) index ranges between 1.14 to 1.42 and evenness J between 0.74 to 0.83. Phytogeographical analysis indicated that Sof Umer has shown floristic similarity with Borana vegetation. The density of woody species having DBH >2 cm was found to be 619.2 individuals/ hectare. Three vertical stories were identified where 80 % of woody individuals of species were confined to the lower story. A total of 7 species are identified to be endemic to Ethiopia. Five of them are included in Red Data list of threatened species of IUCN, 2004. Three endemic species are identified to be new record for Bale floristic region. In situ conservation and community participatory approach for natural resources conservation are recommended.enBiologyThesis