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Comparative Study of Woody Species Diversity And Composition of Sacred Forests And Adjacent Homegardens at Sidama National Regional State, Southeast Ethiopia

Eshine Hankalo Burka,Yosef Mamo Dubale,Getahun Haile Atilabachew

Published 2025 in Forest Science and Technology

ABSTRACT

Abstract Sacred forest areas have been known harbor a variety of biological diversity, as well as provide to the local people with a number of spriritual and social benefits, and homegarden has a potentioal to support diverse multipurpose plant species and source of livelihoods. However, the diversity of plant species are poorly managed in the study area. This study aimed to compare woody species diversity, composition and similarity between sacred forests and adjacent homegarden sites in the Sidama National Regional State, Southeast Ethiopia. Eight transect lines and 88 plots were systematically established across the sacred forest and home gardens, with inter-transect distances of 100 m and plot sizes of 20 m × 20 m. Tree species were identified, and measurements of diameter at breast height (DBH) and height were taken using calipers and clinometers, respectively. Woody species diversity and composition were analyzed using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index, and similarity between sites was assessed using the Sørensen similarity index. A total of 48 woody species, representing 30 families, were recorded. The Shannon diversity index for the sacred forest (3.452) was more than three times higher than that of the home gardens (1.569), indicating a substantially greater woody species diversity in the sacred forest. The Sørensen similarity index between the two sites was 70%. In conclusions, to preserve woody species diversity and composition, sustainable management of sacred forests—integrated with community cultural practices—is essential. Effective conservation will require strong coordination among planners, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders, supported by context-appropriate strategies.

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