Locally endangered tree species in a dry montane forest are enhanced by high woody species richness but affected by human disturbance. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wegasie, Mekdes Ourge; Eldegard, Katrine; Klanderud, Kari; Tewolde-Berhan, Sarah; Giday, Kidane; Totland, Ørjan
• Is Part Of: Journal of arid environments. Volume 158(2018)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Dry forest -- Forest conservation -- Hugumburda -- Illegal logging -- Juniperus procera -- Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata; Arid regions ecology -- Periodicals; Arid regions -- Periodicals; Écologie des régions arides -- Périodiques; Régions arides -- Périodiques; 577.54
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2018.08.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1963

Abstract

Abstract: Understanding the relationship between biotic, abiotic and disturbance factors in dry degraded forests is crucial for effective conservation of endangered plant species. We studied the relationship between two locally endangered tree species, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata and Juniperus procera, and environmental conditions in the Hugumburda dry Afromontane forest in Northern Ethiopia. We surveyed species richness of woody plants, herbaceous plant cover, soil and human disturbance factors from 70 plots (20 m × 20 m). The abundance of both species was positively correlated with each other, and with woody species richness and elevation. Moreover, the biomass of both species correlated positively with total tree biomass and number of O . europaea cut stumps. The positive relationship between O. europaea trees and cut stumps suggests that illegal selective logging is taking place in O. europaea -dominated areas. Based on the observed relationships we predict that conserving woody species may result in an increase in the abundance of both O. europaea and J. procera in the forest. Highlights: We examine relationships between locally endangered tree species and the environment. Endangered species abundance increase with woody species richness and elevation. Illegal logging of Olea europaea is most common in areas with high Olea abundance. Conserving woody species richness can promote endangered tree species. We recommend stronger protection of Olea europaea dominated areas.