ASSESSING NATURAL FOREST CHARACTERISTICS ACROSS FOREST DEGRADATION LEVELS TO GUIDE FOREST MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION IN MUNESSA-SHASHEMENE, ETHIOPIA

Forest degradation remains a critical challenge for biodiversity conservation, forest management and ecosystem restoration globally. This study examines forest degradation in the Munessa-Shashemene Forest, Ethiopia, by analyzing species composition, diversity, and regeneration across three level of degradation forests. The objective was to characterize the forest's current state along these degradation gradients and generate information to guide restoration and management practices. Systematic vegetation surveys were conducted using 27 plots (20 m × 20 m for trees and shrubs, 5 m × 5 m for saplings and seedlings), with data collected on species diversity, composition, and regeneration status. The results revealed significant differences across degradation levels. Low-degradation forests exhibited high species diversity and strong natural regeneration, with abundant seedlings and a well- balanced species composition. Medium-degradation forests showed moderate species diversity, with a higher presence of disturbance-tolerant species like Toddalia asiatica and Strychnos spinosa. High- degradation forests had the lowest species diversity, with a dominance of disturbance-resistant species and limited regeneration potential, particularly among seedlings and saplings. The Importance Value Index highlighted Croton macrostachyus and Olea capensis as dominant species in Medium- degradation forests and low degradation forest, respectively. The study concluded that forest degradation negatively impacts biodiversity and regeneration, with the lowest levels of diversity and regeneration observed in high-degradation forests. It emphasizes the need for targeted restoration strategies, including the integration of native species, community- based conservation efforts, and continuous monitoring to support long-term ecological recovery. These findings provide valuable insights into forest management and restoration, particularly for degraded ecosystems in Ethiopia and similar global contexts.