Comparative analyses of the conservation status of forest patches in the northwestern region of Ethiopia

Ethiopia has gained recognition in Africa for its biological diversity. Sadly, the destructive actions of humans for centuries have resulted in fragmented forests, causing them to be scattered in patches. The Central Gondar Zone, located in northwestern Ethiopia, is known for its diverse forest patches that are crucial for conservation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the conservation status of a sample of these forest patches distributed across government managed and church managed forests. Data on woody species were collected, systematically, in 520 nested plots (20 m × 20 m) across 65 transects distributed in the 10 sampled forest patches. A total of 146 woody plant species (63 families, 6 endemics) were recorded, with Fabaceae being the most dominant (16.7%).The inverted J-shape pattern of trees in the forest patches suggests healthy conditions with active regeneration and recruitment of forest species. Comparative analyses of the forest patches revealed significant differences in species richness, similarity, structure, and regeneration among the three growth forms. Targeted conservation strategies should prioritize species with low IVI, threatened endemics, and poor regeneration, while engaging local communities and religious institutions as key stakeholders to enhance ecological integrity and sustainable management of these forest patches.

埃塞俄比亚以其生物多样性在非洲广受赞誉。遗憾的是，数百年来人类的破坏性活动导致森林破碎化，使其呈斑块状零散分布。位于埃塞俄比亚西北部的贡德尔中部地区，以其多样的森林斑块而闻名，这些斑块对于生物保护工作具有重要意义。本研究旨在评估分布于国有管护林与教会管护林中的这批森林斑块样本的保护现状。研究人员在10个采样森林斑块内设置的65条样线上的520个嵌套样方（20米×20米）中，系统收集了木本植物物种相关数据。本次调查共记录到146种木本植物，隶属于63个科，其中包含6个特有种；豆科（Fabaceae）为优势科，占比达16.7%。森林斑块内树木的倒J型分布模式表明林分健康状况良好，森林物种的更新与自然招募活动活跃。对森林斑块的比较分析显示，三类生长型植物在物种丰富度、群落相似性、林分结构以及更新状况方面均存在显著差异。针对性保护策略应优先关注重要值指数（IVI）较低的物种、受威胁特有种以及更新不良的类群，同时动员当地社区与宗教机构作为核心利益相关方，以提升这些森林斑块的生态完整性与可持续管理水平。