Species composition, structure, regeneration and management status of Jorgo-Wato Forest in west Wollega, Ethiopia

Abstract

Species composition, structure, regeneration, and management status of Jorgo-Wato Forest (JWF) was studied. Number of individuals, diameter at breast height (dbh) and height of woody species (dbh ≥ 2.5 cm) were counted and measured in each plot. Group discussions with local farmers residing around JWF were carried out to understand the management of the JWF. Forest structural attributes were computed using descriptive statistics; correlation was used to assess relationships between the structural variables. A total of 4313 individuals (dbh ≥ 2.5 cm) with a density of 1477 ha⁻¹ were recorded, the number of species and individuals decreasing with increasing dbh classes. Species with the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) were Pouteria adolfi-friedericii (37.7), Syzygium guineense subsp. afromontanum (23.6), Dracaena afromontana (20.5), Chionanthus mildbraedii (15.9), and Croton macrostachyus (12.3). Overall distribution of woody plants across size classes exhibited a reverse J-pattern, suggesting a healthy population structure and good regeneration. Nevertheless, some species were not represented in smaller diameter classes, including juvenile phases, which indicate a lack of regeneration. For these species, monitoring and enrichment planting would be necessary, along with curbing illegal cutting and coffee farming in the natural forest. Management interventions in the JWF need to consider livelihood options and to respect the rights of local communities