Abstract:
The study was conducted on Alemsaga Forest in SouthGondar, northwestern Ethiopia with the objectives of
determining the status & diversity of plant species. Systematically 58 (20 m × 20 m) plots were sampled along
line transects radiating from the peak of the Forest in north-south directions. In each main pots, five subplots (2
m x 2 m) distributed one at each corner and one at the center were laid down to sample herbaceous species. All
plots were laid at a distance of 100 m along the transect lines. In each main plot, data on species abundance,
height and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of woody plant species and altitude, slope and aspect were
recorded. Community classification was performed using R-Free Statistical Software. Shannon-Wiener diversity
index were used to compute species diversity between the plant communities. Structure of the forest was
analyzed using DBH, basal area and IVI. Results showed that a total of 124 vascular plant species representing
112 genera and 65 families were identified. Asteraceae followed by Fabceae, Malvaceae and Poaceae werethe
most species rich families. Based on the results of vegetation classification, three plant communities were
identified and described. Species richness, diversity and evenness varied among the plant communities.Tukey’s
pairwise comparison of means among the plant communities showed significant variations in aspect and slope,
implying that these terrain variables are among important factors determining patterns of plant community
distribution. Results of structural analysis revealed that the Forest was dominated by small sized trees & shrubs
indicating that it is in the stage of secondary development and there are species that require urgent conservation
measure. Based on the results of this study, futureresearch directions and appropriate conservation measures for
sustainable use of the forest resources are suggested.
