Ensermu Kelbessa

Diversity, Ecology and Regeneration Studies: of Bonga, Borana and Chilimo Forests of Ethiopia Ensermu Kelbessa

Afromontane forests are one of the seven endemic sites of Tropical Africa including Ethiopia. Dry Evergreen Montane Forest is a very complex vegetation type occurring roughly above 1500 m and below 3200 m in altitude. It is inhabited by the majority of the Ethiopian population and represents a zone of sedentary cereal-based mixed agriculture for centuries. The Moist Evergreen Montane Forest, on the other hand, is the most diverse ecosystem in composition, structure and habitat types. Floristically, this forest is rich with a number of endemic species. However, the natural vegetation is threatened by the expansion of commercial coffee and tea plantation. This book is the result of research initiatives carried out in the Moist Evergreen and Dry Evergreen Montane Forests of Ethiopia. It will be of great value to graduate students, researchers and professionals interested in undertaking various studies related to diversity, ecology, conservation, management and sustainable utilizations of these forests.