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Ethiopian Journal of Biodiversity - EthJBD
Vol 6 - No 1
Forest ecosystems significantly contribute to climate change mitigation; however, their estimated carbon stock variations across vegetation types are limited to prioritize vegetation conservation. This study explores the carbon stock in Buska natural forest and its variation among three vegetation types: Dry evergreen Afromontane forest and grassland complex (DAF), Combretum-Terminalia woodland and wooded grassland (CTW), and Acacia-Commiphora woodland and bushland (ACB). The data was collected from 92 plots placed at 50m altitudinal difference across eight transect lines laid at 2 km apart to each other. Accordingly, 30 plots for each DAF and CTW and 32 plots for ACB were used to collect vegetation data and biometric measurements. 113 woody species were recorded from all vegetation types and 1571.8 ton ha-1 carbon stock was estimated. Higher carbon stock was recorded for DAF (632.97 ton ha-1) followed by CTW (554.05 ton ha-1) and ACB (384.78 ton ha-1). Juniperus procera, Combretum molle and Tamarindus indica were the first top woody species that contributed higher carbon stocks for DAF, CTW and ACB vegetation types respectively. The carbon stock variation within vegetation types was significant at P < 0.03. The carbon stock in DAF is significantly higher compared to ACB (P = 0.02). While the carbon stock variations between CTW and the remaining two vegetation types were not significant (P < 0.05). The Buska natural forest’s carbon stock variation is influenced by species composition and basal areas. Though all three vegetation types contribute significantly, DAF vegetation type should be prioritized for conservation to mitigate climate change.
Keywords: Acacia-Commiphora; Buska; Carbon stock; Combretum-Terminalia; Dry evergreen
This study explored the diversity and conservation of wild edible mushrooms in the Modo Missa Game Reserve, bordering Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The reserve faces pressure from human activities, such as poaching, timber harvesting, mining, and agricultural expansion, all of which threaten biodiversity. Local communities depend on mushrooms as a seasonal food source, but cultivation remains limited due to climate constraints, lack of knowledge, and insufficient institutional support. Mushrooms are often overlooked in conservation planning despite their ecological and nutritional significance. Data were collected from 76 households across four localities using random sampling and field surveys. Diversity analysis revealed nine species, with a Shannon–Wiener index of 2.13 (moderate diversity), Simpson‟s index of 0.875 (high diversity and low dominance), and an evenness value of 0.915 (balanced distribution). Schizophyllum commune was the most prevalent species (13%), thriving in forest habitats, while Termitomyces spp. were more common in savanna areas. Fisher‟s Exact indicated no significant association between species occurrence and habitat type, implying that microhabitat and seasonal factors influence the distribution. Respondents highlighted key challenges, including pollution, climate change, habitat destruction, limited awareness, and insufficient cultivation skills. Recommended conservation strategies encompassed habitat protection, controlled harvesting, species documentation, and promotion of mushroom farming. The study emphasized that awareness campaigns, training, and further ecological research are vital, and that integrating community initiatives with formal conservation efforts is crucial to protect mushroom biodiversity, enhance food security, and bolster ecosystem resilience.
Key words: Biodiversity, conservation, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson‟s index,
Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPSs ) pose serious threats to biodiversity and economies. Ornamental horticulture has been a major pathway for the of IAPSs introduction in Ethiopia. Despite this, limited attention has been given to the diversity and invasiveness potential of introduced ornam ental plants in urban areas. Hence, this research aimed to study the diversity and potential invasiveness of introduced ornamental plant species in selected nursery sites of Addis Ababa and Bishoftu. An inventory survey was conducted across seven nursery s ites, documenting 149 plant species representing 127 genera and 52 families. Of the total recorded species, 38 (25.5%) were identified as naturalized and Invasive Alien plant species. In addition, 26.77% of the documented genera and 36.54% of the recorded families contained invasive alien representatives. A one way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test, was used to analyze the effects of introduced ornamental plant species (measured by
percentage area coverage) on the richnes s of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS). The analysis revealed a significant positive relationship, indicating that many introduced ornamentals possess considerable invasiveness potential within the study area. These findings highlight ornamental horticul ture as a critical pathway for the introduction and spread of alien plant species. Consequently, raising public awareness about the origins and purposes of ornamental plant introductions, together with the implementation of effective biosecurity measures and management strategies, is essential to mitigate future threats to regional biodiversity.
Key words/phrases: Horticulture, Introductions, Invasive Alien Plant Species, Nursery Sites
Ethiopia’s Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework, grounded in Proclamation No. 482/2006 and Regulation No. 169/2009, represents a national effort to assert sovereignty over genetic resources while promoting community rights, equitable development, and biodiversity conservation. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Ethiopia’s ABS regime, examining its legal provisions, institutional implementation, enforcement mechanisms, and potential to drive sustainable bio-trade. Drawing on international benchmarks including the Nagoya Protocol and experiences from Brazil, India, and South Africa; it identifies key gaps in clarity, enforcement, community participation, and inter-agency coordination. Case examples highlight how Ethiopia’s rich biodiversity could serve as a foundation for climate-resilient development and inclusive growth if ABS is effectively operationalized. The article concludes with strategic recommendations to enhance legal clarity, decentralize ABS governance, strengthen community involvement, improve transparency and compliance monitoring, and integrate ABS into national development and climate agendas.
Key words: Access and Benefit-Sharing, Bio-piracy, Bio-trade, Nagoya Protocol, Traditional Knowledge
The main objective of this study was to investigate the essential oil composition and nutritional value of H. splendidum collected from the Menze Guassa community conservation area. Aerial parts of the target species were collected at the flowering stage through purposive sampling. Three plots, each measuring 10 meters by 10 meters, were randomly placed within dense populations at two different sites. Hydro distillation of the aerial parts yielded 0.6% essential oil, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 48 compounds. The GC-MS results indicate that τ-Muurolol (13.49%), β-Pinene (13.21%), naphthalene derivatives (12.95%), and τ-Cadinol (9.16%) are the most prominent compounds. This specific profile suggests a unique chemotype, likely influenced by high altitude and environmental stress. Furthermore, nutritional analysis revealed a crude protein (CP) content of 7.7
5%, and the in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) result was 51.26%. The concentration of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was 61.30%, while the metabolizable energy (ME) value was 7.42 MJ/kg. The analysis also indicated a total ash value of 5.30%. The dominance of β-Pinene and τ-Cadinol highlights the significance of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential, while the high level of τ-Muurolol suggests future applications in eco-friendly pest management. The current findings underscore the importance of H. splendidum for both pharmacological and ecological uses, serving as an optimal forage resource for ruminants and emphasizing the need to conserve the Menze Guassa community conservation area. Further research should be conducted on bioactive assays and genetic analysis to characterize chemotype variation and ensure the sustainable utilization of this valuable plant resource.
Key words: chemotype,crude protein, forage resource, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, τ-Muurolol,
In Ethiopia human carnivore conflict (HCC) is escalating. Human population expansion, habitat destruction, and increasing disturbance in or around wildlife-inhabiting regions are some of the major drivers of human carnivore conflict (HCC). A large number of literatures and pre reviewed papers were used and SPSS software was used to analyze the number of predated livestock and identify which predator causes more predation per household. Livestock depredation and attacks on predation on managed wild animal species are all regular HCC concerns. This makes the income of the society were condensed and faced food crises in the country. Canis aureus, Crocuta crocuta, Papio anubis, Panthera leo and Canis lupaster are just a few of the animals who have taken part in the HCC and influenced the economy of the country. In Ethiopia, several papers on the human carnivore conflict are published but the presentation is very inconsistent which makes a good picture of main predators, livestock types predated, economic loss of predation per household difficult. The goal of this article is to review vast amount of information on the causes and consequences of HCC, predator–prey patterns across regions, household economic losses, and current conflict-mitigation strategies. Across the reviewed studies, a total of 8,590 livestock individuals were reported lost to carnivore depredation, resulting in an estimated economic loss of USD 90,072. Sheep and cattle emerged as the most heavily depredated livestock species, followed by goats, with losses disproportionately affecting households located near protected areas and community-managed forests. Livestock loss per household ranged from 0.07 to 6.66 animals, while household-level economic losses varied from USD 2.84 to USD 252.27, indicating strong spatial heterogeneity in livelihood impacts. Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) and leopard (Panthera pardus) were the most frequently reported predators, followed by lions, African wolves, and Ethiopian wolves, with predator assemblages varying across landscapes. As a result, this data is vital in supporting policymakers and ecologists in formulating land use plan strategies to reduce HCC in Ethiopia, as well as developing fruitful and replicable wildlife educational and training activities.
Key words: carnivore attacks, conflict mitigation, human–carnivore conflict, predator–livestock conflict