Human Disturbance Threatens Plant Diversity in Ethiopian Highlands, Urgent Conservation Needed.
The study looked at how altitude and human activity affect the types of plants in the Wof-Washa Forest in Ethiopia. Researchers set up plots at different heights and measured the plants there. They found that the diversity of plant species was linked to both altitude and human disturbance. They identified 108 plant species in the forest, with the Asteraceae family being the most diverse. The forest had a high density of trees, shrubs, saplings, and seedlings. Some key species like Juniperus procera and Podocarpus falcatus were important for the forest. The researchers also noted that different parts of the forest had different plant species, and human activity was causing harm to the forest. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the forest for the future.