ISSN 2360-7971
Abstract
The research took place in the Asebot Mountain Forest of Hallaydeghie Asebot National Park (HANP) in Ethiopia to explore the variety of tree species and their ability to store carbon in the dry afromontane forest, which is important for fighting climate change, and to provide useful information for better management of forest resources and protection of biodiversity in the National Park. The stratified systematic sampling technique was used to conduct the forest inventory. For individual tree DBH ≥ 5 cm encountered in each plot, DBH, canopy cover and height were recorded. Carbon stock estimation for the study area was done on four carbon pools: AGC, BGC, DWC, and LHGC, using allometric equation models. Plant species diversity and evenness were undertaken using a biodiversity software application. A total of 36 plant species belonging to 25 plant families were identified. The most species-rich families were Anacardiaceae and Fabaceae (4 spp. each), followed by Apocynaceae, Combretaceae, Boraginaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Ebanaceae, Cupressaceae, Moraceae, Celastraceae and Oleaceae (2 spp. each). The total mean of 125.3987 t/ha carbon stock was estimated in Asebot mountain forest with9 t CO₂e sequestration potential. The study area had a total mean basal area of m² ha⁻¹ and a carbon credit of 85 US dollars, estimated as a conservative value. This study indicated that Asebot mountain forest plant species were in a good regeneration status and had high potential for climate change mitigation, even if there were high anthropogenic disturbances exerted on them. Nonetheless, analysis of indigenous species such as Olea africana and Podocarpus falcatus are highly degraded for charcoal production and other livelihood benefits. Therefore, efforts should be made to conserve these species through in situ conservation, and it is highly recommended to implement sustainable forest management using an integrated and participatory approach.
Key words and phrases: Carbon Stock, Ecosystem and forest inventor