Floristic composition and structure of the dry Afromontane forest at Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Excessive cutting of ecologically, economically, and medically important tree species has been identified as a significant threat to the Dry Afromontane Forest in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. The study, conducted between July 2003 and June 2004 across three sites (Adelle, Boditi, and Gaysay) at altitudes ranging from 3010 to 3410 meters, documented 230 species belonging to 58 families. Analysis revealed five homogeneous vegetation clusters, with tree densities of 766 and 458 individuals per hectare in Adelle and Boditi forests, respectively. Juniperus procera and Hagenia abyssinica contributed significantly to the basal area, accounting for 43% and 57%, respectively. The study highlighted that both Adelle and Boditi forests are at an early secondary stage of development, with clear evidence of selective logging impacting population structures.

Yineger, H., Kelbessa, E., Bekele, T., & Lulekal, E. (2011). Floristic composition and structure of the dry Afromontane forest at Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science, 31(2). https://doi.org/10.4314/sinet.v31i2.66551