Status of populations of gum and resin bearing and associated woody species in Benishangul-Gumuz National Regional State, western Ethiopia: implications for their sustainable management
2016
Yilma, Zewdu | Adefires Worku, | Mohammed, Omarsherif | Adane Girma, | Dejene, Tatek | Eshete, Abeje | Demel Teketay, | Teshome, Mindaye | Tadesse, Wubalem
Diversity, population structures and regeneration status of gum- and resin- producing woody species, including associated woody species, were assessed in 157 sample plots, each measuring 400 m ² and established along line transects. The data were collected in two selected districts, namely, Sherkole and Guba in Benishangul-Gumuz National Regional State, one of the gum and resin belts in western Ethiopia. Twenty- eight woody species, representing 18 families and 22 genera were recorded, among which six species were sources of commercial gum and resins. The gum- and resin-producing woody species had 1.54 and 0.9 diversity and 0.86 and 0.68 evenness values at Sherkole and Guba districts, respectively. They accounted for 29% and 50% of the density, 53% and 61% of the basal area and 31% and 50% of the Importance Value Index of all the woody species, respectively. The gum- and resin- bearing woody species exhibited three patterns of population structure. The first pattern suggests good reproduction abilities of the species coupled with good recruitment of seedlings and their subsequent continuous growth to replace older individuals over time, indicating stable regeneration. About 57% of the gum- and resin- bearing woody species fall under this category. The other two patterns indicate hampered regeneration status of the woody species. Heavy grazing, conversion to crop land by small- and large-scale farming, resettlement programmes, recurrent fire and climate change were mentioned as major bottlenecks of natural regeneration and recruitment. Policy, extension and research recommendations are discussed.
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