Survey on composition of perennial vegetation in Sesa Mariam Monastery, Northwestern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Sustainable use of natural resources is one of the leading agenda because anthropogenic activities are leading to the depletion of these resources. Ethiopia is one of the biodiversity reach areas in the world, but the floral diversity is being threatened before they are fully explored. In line with this, very little is known about the flora of Sesa Mariam monastery, found in northwest Ethiopia. The area is one of the few remnant monastery forests in the country with old aged tree species. The aim of the study was to explore and document the floristic composition, density and regeneration status of perennial plant species in order to provide base line information for the sustainable utilization and management of the forest resources. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-one (51) quadrats (20 m × 20 m each) were laid along established transect lines for census of perennial plant species. Two nested quadrats (2 m × 10 m) were also used at the beginning and at the end of every main quadrat for the assessment of seedlings and saplings. All woody plant species in each quadrat were counted and identified. Species diversity, richness and evenness were measured. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen (113) plant species belonging to 89 genera and 54 families were identified. Moreover, there were 7 more species outside the study quadrats. Of these plant species 10 were endemic, 92 were indigenous, and the remaining 11 were exotic cultivated trees and shrubs. Fabaceae is the most dominant family with 14 species followed by Euphorbiaceae and Rutaceae, each with 6 species. The total basal area of the matured woody plants of the forest was 94.81 m(2) ha(−1) and the density was 1960.78 individuals ha(−1). The overall diversity and evenness of woody species were 3.81 and 0.85, respectively. When compared to other forests found in Ethiopia, it is better protected. CONCLUSION: The data from this study showed a relatively good conservation status. However, analysis from individual woody plant structure, and count of seedlings and saplings showed a need for conservation. Stopping or minimizing grazing by livestock and selective tree cuttings are the first measures to be taken for conservation. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-015-1562-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.