Floristic Composition and Structure of the Dry Afromontane Forest at Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

The floristic composition and structure of the Dry Afromontane Forest at Bale Mountains National Park was studied from July 2003 to June 2004. A total of 90 plots were established at three sites (Adelle, Boditi and Gaysay) at an altitudinal range of 3010–3410 m. The cover abundance values, density, and diameter at breast height and list of species were recorded in each plot. About 230 species belonging to 157 genera and 58 families were identified and documented. Analysis of vegetation data revealed 5 homogenous clusters. The densities of trees in the diameter class >2 cm were 766 and 458 individuals ha-1in Adelle and Boditi forests, respectively. The basal areas were about 26 and 23 m2ha-1 in Adelle and Boditi forests, respectively. About 43% of the basal area in Adelle and 57 in Boditi forests were contributed by Juniperus procera and Hagenia abyssinica, respectively. Both Adelle and Boditi forests were found at an earlier secondary stage of development and had, more or less, a similar trend of development. The population structures of tree species were assessed and these had clearly signalled the occurrence of excessive cutting of selected diameter classes of ecologically, economically and medically important tree species for various purposes, particularly for construction. Key words/phrases: Bale Mountains, floristic composition, plant community, vegetation structure