Evaluating natural regeneration status and plant species diversity in Teda Natural Forest, Ethiopia

Globally, the biodiversity of different ecosystems is not dispersed equally. Some parts of the earth, like the tropics, have higher levels of biodiversity than others. Due to their underdeveloped economies, most tropical nations with such high biodiversity have great steeplechases in preserving their biodiversity. The aims of this study are to determine the species composition, diversity, vegetation, and population structure, as well as the dominance of tree species and the status of regeneration. A systematic method of sampling and a random starting point were used to collect data. The first transect line was sited inside the forest 20 m parallel to the contour line to avoid the edge effect related to disturbance. The sample plot and the transect line were separated by 50 and 50 m, respectively. From this result of the total species, about 53.88% were represented by a single Flacourtia indica species, followed by Carissa spinarum and Erophaca baetica species, which usually constitute 13.81% and 7.77%, respectively. The results revealed that Simpson’s diversity (D) index (0.38) was more suited for determining species diversity, while the Shannon-Wiener index (H) (1.57) was found to be the best index for assessing species richness. The distribution of seedlings, saplings, and mature trees showed that bell-shaped patterns predominated, and it can be concluded that the regeneration status of tree species in this study site was poor. The forest species richness may be shaped and determined by environmental heterogeneity, regeneration capability, moderate disturbance, and competition. Inadequate regeneration is an indication of inadequate reproduction and impeded regeneration, which can be brought on by effective seedling to sapling conversion, predatory seed loss following reproduction, or ageing individuals.