Floristic Composition of Zerat Forest Amhara Menz Ethiopia

Ethiopia is an important regional center for biological diversity due to its wide ranges of altitude, flat-topped plateaus, deep gorges, incised river valleys and rolling plains. The topography and diverse climatic conditions led to the emergence of habitats suitable for evolution, and occurrence of some unique plant and animal species. Previously, about 35-40% of the land surface of Ethiopia has been covered with forest and woodlands. But, due to Geometric population growth, deforestation, overgrazing, habitat loss and invasive species, now diminished to less than 3%. Threats to Ethiopiäs biodiversity and resource base broadly linked to the limited governmental, institutional, legal capacity, population growth, land degradation, weak management of protected areas, and deforestation. Zerat Forest has not been protected, continuously exploited by the surrounding people due to agricultural land expansion and timber harvesting. Thus, the current study is conceived to investigate floristic composition, community identification, to explore factors that account for loss of forest, to draw the attention of policy makers and recommend appropriate conservation measures.