Vegetation structure and regeneration status of Anbesa Chaka lowland bamboo forest, Western Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Anbesa Chaka Lowland Bamboo Forest with the aim of determining forest sturcture, population structure and regeneration status of some selected species. A total of 70 sample plots, measuring 400 m2 each and 300 m apart, were established within eight transect lines to study the structure and regeneration status of the forest in the study area. Height and diameter at breast height of all tree species (DBH above 2.5 cm) in each sample plot were recorded. Regeneration status of tree species was also assessed in 5 m x 5 m of sub-plots at the four corners and the center of each main sample plot. Importance Value Index (IVI) was calculated for all tree and bamboo species. The structural analysis of the forest showed that the density distribution of individual tree species were comparable with distribution in the lower and higher diameter classes for some species individuals and a large number of small-sized individuals distribution for other tree species in the forest. Height class distribution of the tree species revealed a high proportion of individuals in the lowest height class. Tree species density was 281 per hectare and the density of lowland bamboo was about 8650 culms ha-1. The total tree basal area was 12.4 m2/ha and the mean basal area of lowland bamboo was 9.5 m2/ha. Importance Value Index (IVI) was calculated for all tree and bamboo species. Six general patterns of species were recognized from the analysis of population structure. Important value index, population structure and regeneration status could serve as criteria for species prioritization in order to maintain the biodiversity, cultural and economic value of the forest. Keywords/phrases: Anbesa Chaka, Lowland bamboo forest, Regeneration status, Species density, Vegetation structureEthiop. J. Biol. Sci., 10(1): 19-38, 2011