Assessment of the structure, diversity, and composition of woody species of urban forests of Adama city, Central Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the diversity, composition, structure and abundance of urban forests in Adama city, Central Ethiopia to provide baseline information useful for developing a conservation strategy. The urban forest of Adama has an estimated 525,200 trees with a tree cover of 20%. The three most common species are Azadirachta Indica (14.8%), Carica papaya (6.8%), and Acacia abyssinica (5%). The i-Tree Eco model was used to organise output. A total of 214 sample plots were generated directly in the i-Tree Eco application using the random plots’ generator via the Google Maps function. A 0.1acre circular plot was used. A total of 805 trees were sampled across the 214 plots. Among the 86 species encountered in the sample plots, 68 (79%) were introduced and only 18 (21%) were native species. Most introduced trees originated from Asia (22%). The tree diversity calculated using the Shannon Weiner index (H’) was 3.61 and the dominance of Simpson’s value was 0.95. The evenness index of the plots sampled was 0.80. The study indicates the crucial role that urban forests play in maintaining and conserving urban trees and enhancing ecosystem services in urban areas.

KEYWORDS:

• AdamaTree
• urban forest
• woody species
• diversity
• species composition

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the experts of Adama city urban greening and beautification department for their assistance in facilitating the fieldwork. The authors are also grateful to Adama city administration and the Wuhan University of Technology, China for financial and other necessary support during our study.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Adama City Administration [$1500]; Wuhan University of Technology [$1000].

Notes on contributors

Hingabu Hordofa Koricho

Hingabu Hordofa Koricho is a senior expert in the Oromia Urban Development and Housing Bureau, Department of Urban Greening and Beautification, Finfinne, Ethiopia. He contributed in designing the research idea, and in the data collection and analysis.

Ararsa Derese Seboka

Ararsa Derese Seboka is an assistant professor in the Department of General Forestry, Hawassa University, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Shashemene, Ethiopia. He participated in the data analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation .

Shaoxian Song

Shaoxian Song is a professor in the School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China. He participated in designing the methodology, sturucturing the report and overall project management.