Publication Type
Journal Article
Publication Date (Issue Year)
2023
Journal Name
Forest Science and Technology
Abstract
The study area, affected by war and siege, necessitates a study of its current ecological sta-
tus. The objective of this study was to assess the present forest structure, species diversity,
and Total Biomass Carbon Stock (TBCS) in relation to environmental variables. The findings
shown 42 woody plant species, with 23 in the highland and 41 in the midland. No signifi-
cant difference in species abundance is observed between the highland and midland areas.
However, there are significant differences in the average diameter and height of trees
between the altitudinal classes. Additionally, diversity indices shown significant difference,
with the midland shown higher values than the highland. TBCS of the forest, the highland
and midland areas were 21.02, 15.6, and 22.92 tons/ha, respectively. Moreover, TBCS shown
significant contributions from tree diameter and height (p < 0.05) whereas species diversity,
richness, and abundance do not shown a significant influence. This research further assesses
factors influencing carbon stock, identifying annual mean temperature, soil organic content,
temperature seasonality, and altitude as key contributors. Dominant species are limited, with
around 50% classified as rare. Hence, our study suggests that the implementation of effect-
ive forest management practices aimed at enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Keywords
Environmental variables, Carbon stock, Climate mitigation, Ecosystem services
Rsif Scholar Name
Haftu Abrha Mengesha
Thematic Area
Climate Change
Africa Host University (AHU)
University Felix Houphouët-Boigny (U-FHB), Côte d'Ivoire
Funding Statement
We express our gratitude for the financial support from the
Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and
Technology (PASET)/Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund
(RSIF) to the lead author of this research. Their support has
played a vital role in facilitating the research and the successful
completion of his Ph.D.
Recommended Citation
Mengesha, H. A., Dodiomon, S., Ongoma, V., Birhane, E., & Manaye, s. (2023). Assessing structure, species diversity, and carbon stocks across altitudinal gradients in Hugumbrda Grat-kahsu forest, Tigray, Ethiopia: Implications for ecosystem service management. Forest Science and Technology https://doi.org/10.1080/21580103.2023.2296012