Woody plants composition, structure and regeneration status of Muger Zala natural forest, Central Ethiopia

Natural forests in Ethiopia are significant biodiversity repositories and climate change regulators, but they are under growing pressure from anthropogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the composition, structure, and regeneration status of the Mugere Zala natural forest in Asagrit District, Central Ethiopia. A systematic sampling strategy was utilised to collect samples from 20 m × 20 m sample plots for trees, 10 m × 10 m for shrubs, and 5 m × 5 m subplots for saplings and seedlings. The sample plots were placed 400 m apart along transects laid at 200 m intervals. The composition and population structure data for woody species (diameter at breast height (DBH) > 2.5 cm and height > 2 m) were documented. To assess plant diversity, quantitative species diversity, richness, and evenness were calculated. A total of 62 species were identified in 47 genera and 43 families. With 5 (11.6%) species, the Rosaceae family had the highest species richness. In total, 557 mature trees, 747 saplings, and 1036 seedlings ha-¹ were observed in the sampled plots. Clutia abyssinica, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Maesa lanceolata, Allophylus abyssinicus, Carissa spinarum, Phytolacca dodecandra, and Jasminum abyssinicum were associated with about 49.98% of the importance values. Compared to other similar forests in Ethiopia, the vegetation structure is similar and distinct. The forest is dominated by small plant species and largest native tree species despite its poor regeneration status. This is because highland forests are particularly difficult to manage due to population pressure, which is associated with grazing effects.