Floristic composition, structure and regeneration status as affected by agro-climatic variation in the Bale mountains national park, South-eastern Ethiopia
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Background The Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) is an internationally significant biodiversity hotspot located in the Bale eco-region, southeastern highlands of Ethiopia. Despite its huge ecological importance, habitat degradation occurs at an alarming rate across different agro-climatic zones, posing a severe threat to the survival of many species. This study aims to assess the effects of agro-climatic variation on floristic composition, structure, and explore the human-induced factors responsible for ecosystem changes in the park. Results A total of 144 sampling plots covering an area of 5.76 ha were established across three altitudinal gradients with four replications to collect representative vegetation data. Mean species comparison across agro-climatic zones was determined using one-way ANOVA and significant differences were reported with p < 0.05. Results showed that both species richness (76) and mean DBH of woody species (49.63 ± 1.34 cm) were significantly higher in the sub-moist mid highland than in the cold humid afro-alpine zone (29) and in the cool moist mid highlands (31 and 44.50 ± 1.42 cm, respectively). The density of seedlings, saplings, and mature trees was significantly higher in the sub-moist mid highland compared to the cool moist mid highlands. Conclusion The study concludes that the sub-moist mid-highland harbors most species and has trees with higher DBH, requiring protection against ecological degradation due to human activities. The higher altitude cold humid afro-alpine zone is ecologically fragile and needs a comprehensive natural resource management strategy that combines restoration and protection of the natural ecosystem.