How Forests Change With Nature and Human Activity

Greg Howard
24th September, 2025

How Forests Change With Nature and Human Activity

This map delineates the geographical setting of the study within the North Wollo Zone of Ethiopia (a–b), pinpointing the locations of the fragmented Gerado, Micha, and Mekelet forest patches (e–g) selected for the comparative analysis of vegetation structure and anthropogenic disturbance.

Image adapted from: Alemu et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • This study, conducted in three forest areas of North Wollo, Ethiopia, identified 55 woody plant species, with the highest diversity found in the Gerado forest
  • Four distinct plant communities were identified, significantly influenced by altitude, slope, and the extent of tree cutting, indicating human activity alters forest composition
  • Tree cutting for firewood and charcoal, alongside agricultural expansion, were major factors impacting forest structure, particularly in the Mekelet forest patch, leading to reduced species richness
Ethiopia’s forests are facing increasing pressure from human activities and natural changes, leading to their decline and fragmentation. Understanding the composition and health of these forests is vital for effective conservation. A recent study by researchers at Addis Ababa University, Lemi Kura Manufacturing College, and Qingdao Agricultural University[1] investigated the woody vegetation in three forest areas – Gerado, Micha, and Mekelet – located in the North Wollo Zone of Ethiopia, aiming to determine how different environmental factors and human impact influence the types of trees and shrubs present. The research focused on woody plants, defined as trees and shrubs with a diameter at breast height (DBH) – the measurement of the trunk at roughly chest height – of 2.5 centimeters or more, and a height exceeding 2 meters. Data collection involved establishing 95 plots, each 20 by 20 meters, systematically arranged along varying elevations within the forests. This approach allowed the researchers to capture the diversity of vegetation across different altitudes. The study identified a total of 55 different woody species, belonging to 46 genera and 31 plant families. Fabaceae, the legume family, was found to be the most diverse, containing 12 different species within the study areas. To assess the variety of plant life, the researchers used the Shannon-Wiener diversity index – a common measure of species richness and evenness. This index helps to quantify how many different species are present and how evenly distributed they are within the forests. Analysis revealed four distinct plant community types within the three forest patches. These communities were found to be significantly influenced by altitude, slope, and the extent of tree cutting. Statistical techniques, specifically hierarchical clustering and Redundancy Analysis (RDA), were employed to identify these relationships. RDA is a method used to determine which environmental variables best explain the patterns observed in the plant communities. Three species consistently dominated across all three forest areas: Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia, Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata, and Vachellia sieberiana. However, the overall structure of the vegetation was notably affected by human activities. Tree cutting for various purposes – including firewood, charcoal production, and grazing by livestock – was identified as a major factor altering the forests. This study builds upon broader understanding of species distribution in tropical forests, which highlights that these ecosystems harbor a disproportionately high number of global terrestrial vertebrate species, with around 62% found within their boundaries[2]. Ethiopia itself is a recognized biodiversity hotspot, with over 6500 vascular plant species, and 12% of these being unique to the region[3]. The pressures observed in the North Wollo Zone forests – namely habitat fragmentation and human-induced change – mirror concerns raised about the wider Ethiopian landscape, where research indicates a shift from natural to more cultivated areas over the past four decades[4]. The findings from emphasize the importance of tailored conservation strategies. Recognizing that each forest patch has unique ecological conditions and faces different socio-economic pressures is crucial. Community-based approaches, involving local populations in conservation efforts, are recommended to improve the long-term resilience and sustainability of these valuable ecosystems. The study also highlights the need for further investigation into the specific impacts of various human activities on the forests, and the potential for sustainable resource management practices. The documentation of medicinal plant use in the Habru District, for example, suggests a strong link between local communities and forest resources[5], which could be leveraged for conservation initiatives.

EnvironmentEcologyPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on forest patch composition and structure in North Wollo Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Published 23rd September, 2025

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332831

Related Studies

2) Tropical forests are home to over half of the world's vertebrate species.

https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2420

3) Ethiopian vegetation types, climate and topography.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pld.2020.04.004

4) Vegetation dynamics, and land use and land cover change in the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-011-2514-8

5) Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used by the local people in Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-023-00644-x


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