Abstract:
Forests provide significant ecological and environmental benefits. This research was conducted to investigate woody plant composition, regeneration status and carbon stocks potential in Chancho Kebena Forest, Jeldu District, West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Data of woody plant species were collected using systematic sampling methods, laying 8 transects and 32 quadrats each with 20 m x 20 m for trees, 5 m x 5 m sub-quadrats for shrubs, and 1 m x 1m sub-quadrats for seedlings and saplings. The collected data were analyzed in description statistics and aboveground and belowground biomass carbons were estimated using non-destructive improved allometric equations. The result revealed that a total of 43 woody plant species belong to 39 genera and 31 families were recorded. Trees had the highest composition followed by shrubs and lianas. The largest species rich families were Rosaceae, followed by Fabaceae and Euphorbaceae. Regeneration status on the study area was identified in good condition while Shannon variety index and evenness were 3.30 and 0.86 respectively. The total mean carbon stock of Chancho Kebena Forest was 71.47 tons/ha of which 59.56 tons/ha and 11.91 tons/ha were observed to be in the AGC and BGC respectively.Generally, woody species of Chancho Kebena Forest showed that the forest had good species diversity and regeneration status, and have positive role in reduction of greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change mitigation. Therefore, based on the results of this studyparticipatory forest management programs should be introduced and implemented for its sustainability
