Wood species diversity, regeneration status and anthropogenic threats in Gewecha natural forest, Northwestern Ethiopia

Natural forests play a considerable role in the conservation of various woody species. However, the current scientific information on species diversity, regeneration status, and anthropogenic effects on Gewecha natural forest is limited. Hence, this study assessed woody species diversity, regeneration status, and anthropogenic threats of the Gewecha natural forest. Vegetation data were collected from a total of 37 plots with a sample quadrat size of 20 X 20m main plot for all adult trees and 5 X 5m subplot for saplings and seedlings. A comprehensive household survey was conducted, during which 85 households were chosen and subsequently interviewed to gather relevant data. A total of 23 plant species belonging to 18 families were identified. The total density and basal area of the Gewecha natural forest were 931.8 individuals ha−1 and 202.2 m2 ha−1 respectively. Both the cumulative diameter and height class frequency distribution patterns of woody individuals had bell shapes, reflecting a fair regeneration profile. In contrast, the population structure of the important species selected for their high Important Value Index revealed that most of them had poor regeneration. Fuel wood collection, expansion of grazing land, and population growth were ranked as the key anthropogenic factors responsible for the changes in the cover of the Gewecha natural forest. Generally, the study showed the importance of the Gewecha natural forest reserve in northwestern Ethiopia for plant diversity. The expansion of grazing land into forest, population growth, and the local community's use of firewood and other wood products as a source of income are turning the forest into agricultural land. Therefore, we recommend improving community awareness, introducing enrichment planting and zero grazing methods, and alternative forest management that addresses community needs to sustainably maintain the forest and ecosystem services and to reverse the impact of anthropogenic activities on forests.