Abstract:
This study was conducted with the objective of assessing the woody plant species composition,
Structural Analysis and Regeneration Status inKeraro Dosso Forest in East Wollega Zone,
Oromia National Regional State, West Ethiopia.Systematic sampling method was used to collect
woody plant data.Accordingly, 50 plots of size 20m x 20m (400m2) were used for trees and
shrubs, and 250 subplots of 5m x5m for seedling and sapling at the four corners and one at the
center of each large quadrat were used to make counting easier. Each plot was laid
systematically at every 50m along 7 transect lines, which were about 150m apart from each
other. In each of these quadrats, and outside quadrats but in the forest 68 woody plant species
belongingto 61 genera and 36 families were collected and compare with other related research
for identification. In addition, vegetation parameters such as DBH, height, seedling and sapling
density of woody species were recorded. Fabaceae, Myrsinaceae, Asteraceae, Rubiaceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Borginaceae and Moraceae were the dominant families. The analysis of overall
population structure of the most common species indicated that the majority revealed reversed J
shape; that means stable population structures. Atotal basal area of woody plant species
DBH were 33.64m
2
/ha. As the value of IVI indicated species such as Albizia
schimperiana, Vernonia auriculateria, Corton macrostachus, Maytenus gricilipes, Calpuria
aurea,Erythrococca thricongyne,Carissa spinarum, Bersam abyssinica, and
Combretumpaniculatum were the most frequent and dominant species with greater ecologicla
important in the forest. On contrary species like, prunus africana, Premna oligotrichia, Grewia
villosa, Vernonia amygdalina, Ekebergia capensis, Cordia africana, were displayed very low IVI
indicating presence of anthropogenic disturbance. Woody plant species regeneration status
analysis indicated that most species were with seedling and sapling stage, but afew species were
without seedling or sapling owning to environmental factors. Therefore, based on the results of
this study, species displayed very low IVI and with out seedling or sapling needs priorty from
concering body and community. Detailed ecological studies in relation to various environmental
and antheropogenic factors, and sound management and monitoring as well as maintenance of
biodiversity that promote sustainable use of the forest and its products are recommended.
