Actual and potential contributions of enclosure to enhance biodiversity in drylands of Eastern Tigray with particular emphasis on woody plants

Vegetation, soil seed bank and socio-economic settings were studied in the enclosures and open areas in Wukro Wereda, Aynalem tabia of eastern Tigray with the objective to investigate the role of enclosures in the rehabilitation of degraded drylands that would, ultimately, offer viable promises for both actual and potential socio-economic and environmental benefits to the society. Based on 50 plots in the enclosure and 30 in the open area measuring 20 X20m (400m2) the following results were found. A total of 27 species representing 18 families in the enclosures and 14 species representing 12 families were recorded in the open area. Abundance 2659; density 1329 stems/ha; basal area 22 m2/ha; IVI 99.99, Shannon index 1.468; evenness 0.455; and species richness 27 woody species per 2 ha for the enclosure: and Abundance 746; density 621 stems/ha; basal area 9.6m2/ha; IVI 100, Shannon index 1.514; evenness 0.573; and species richness 14 woody species per 1.2 ha for the open area was found. The dominant species in the enclosure have an expanding type of population structure whereas it has more of an obstructed type of structure in the open area. The three types of population structure found showed the direction of succession. No woody species were found in both the enclosure and open degraded area soil seed bank dominated with herbaceous species..The people's perception and attitude towards the program of area enclosures is positive 84% of the respondents support the expansion and conservation of enclosures. The people were aware of the role of area enclosures. All the respondent expressed their need the local laws (serit) to be improved and to contribute to the management of enclosures rather than as a punitive role. The subdivision of the enclosures, with care for individual management, was also supported by 52% of the respondents, which might be a threat to the expansion and collective management of enclosures. Finally, the local people suggest their need to be allowed to collect dead wood from enclosures and involved in the management, planning and implementation of enclosure.