Ecological Study of the Shrubland Vegetation around Ambo, West Shewa Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Central Ethiopia

Belete, Kebede (2012) Ecological Study of the Shrubland Vegetation around Ambo, West Shewa Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Central Ethiopia. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.

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Abstract

The study area is located around Ambo, West Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State. This study was carried out with the aim of compiling floristic composition, population structure and community types. Fifty two, 20 m x 20 m quadrats were selected and all the plants in the quadrats were recorded. The cover abundance values were estimated. DBH, height, and density count for woody species in all the quadrats were registered. A total of 110 species belonging to 98 genera and 48 families were recorded from 52 sample plots and identified at the National Herbarium (ETH), Addis Ababa University. The Asteraceae family was represented by the highest number of species (16) followed by Fabaceae (13) and Poaceae (8). Five community types were identified and described. The plant communities were named after two or three of the dominant species and/or characteristic species selected by their synoptic value. The plant community differed in species diversity, frequency of occurrence and botanical composition of species. The Rosa abyssinicaGalium aparinoides community type had the highest species diversities whereas Vernonia amygdalin-Erythrina brucei-Juniperus procera and Bidens pilosa - Microlepia strigosa - Capparis tomentosa communities had the lowest. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices were computed to measure species diversity and it revealed that species diversity is high in communities 1, 5, 4, 2 and 3 respectively. This is probably due to high rate of disturbance in the communities. The natural environment is under threat from various farming and grazing practices. Based on the result of the study, continuous discussion between local communities and various stakeholders as well as detailed ecological studies were recommended.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Cluster analysis, Diversity, Dominant species, Floristic composition, Vegetation, Vegetation structure
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Q Science > QH Natural history
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Q Science > QK Botany
Divisions: Africana
Depositing User: Selom Ghislain
Date Deposited: 11 Sep 2018 12:56
Last Modified: 11 Sep 2018 12:56
URI: http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/5218

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