Woody species composition, diversity, structure and uses of selected church forests in Central Ethiopia

The objectives of this study were to investigate woody species diversity, species richness, and identify endangered plant species of three church forests. The churches were located across three agro-ecologies. Transect lines and plots were established for woody species inventory. All woody species with a diameter at breast height of ≥5 cm were considered. Species richness, A-diversity, B-diversity, and Sørensen similarity were calculated. Results revealed the presence of 34, 17, and 27 woody species in Assela Teklehymanot (Church in highland agroecology), Etisa Teklehymanot (Chuch in mid-lowland agroecology), and Saramba Kidanemhret (Church in the lowland agroecology), respectively. The importance value index (IVI) indicated native tree species Podocarpus falcatus (IV = 164.59), Croton macrostachyus (IV = 80.28), and the exotic Eucalyptus globulus (IV = 199.06) are important in church 1, church 2, and church 3, respectively. Moreover, 9 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species recorded in the study. The conservation and additional enrichment planting with the indigenous woody species found in the respective church forests and from similar other areas by performing species-site matching is recommended.