Diversity, Structural Dynamics, Regeneration Potential, and Endemism of Moist Evergreen Afromontane Forests in Ethiopia

The moist evergreen Afromontane forest (MEAF) in Ethiopia is characterized by unique species diversity and serves as the center of origin and diversity for Coffea arabic a. A systematic review of MEAF in Ethiopia was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 protocol. Searches covered Scopus, Web of Science, AJOL, PubMed, and Google Scholar, supplemented by manual reference screening, using Boolean queries for ecosystem, geographic, and thematic terms related to floristic diversity, forest structure, woody species, endemism, conservation, and regeneration. Only peer‐reviewed primary research with sufficient methodological detail was included; non‐peer‐reviewed works were excluded. Data were extracted using a standardized Excel form capturing species richness, diversity indices, growth forms, basal area, stem density, IVI, regeneration status, and ecological pressures. Diameter at breast height (DBH) data were standardized, and results were synthesized narratively. A total of 20 articles representing 26 forest patches were included. Across these patches, 951 plant species were recorded from 567 genera and 131 families, with Asteraceae (78 species), Fabaceae (55), and Orchidaceae (50) being the most species‐rich. MEAF harbors 72 endemic species, including critically endangered taxa such as Acalypha marissima and Ceropegia sobolifera . Shannon–Wiener diversity and evenness ranged from 1.54 to 4.18 and 0.31–0.89, respectively. DBH and height classes exhibited an inverted J‐shaped pattern, with a mean basal area of 40.94–142.6 m 2 /ha, indicating healthy regeneration with abundant younger individuals. However, the review also reveals substantial research gaps, as several forest patches show missing values for key ecological parameters and inconsistencies in the reporting of structural and regeneration metrics, highlighting the need for standardized methodologies in future MEAF research. The synthesis emphasizes a clear conservation gradient, classifying forest patches as Relatively Intact, Moderately Disturbed, or Critically Degraded. To address ecological vulnerabilities, a conservation strategy focusing on multisite networking, standardized monitoring, and protection of critical habitats is recommended to safeguard MEAF diversity and resilience.