ALTITUDE AS A MAJOR FACTOR INFLUENCING THE DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICINAL PLANT SPECIES IN MOUNTAIN DAMOTA, WOLAITA SOUTH ETHIOPIA

Globally degradation of forest biodiversity has been one of the major serious environmental and socioeconomic concerns. In Ethiopia, the mountain environment which is one of the bases for ecologically, economically and socially important biodiversity has been degraded in the past three to four decades. In this study we assessed the richness and spatial distribution of two important indigenous medicinal plant species in mountain Damota, Wolaita Ethiopia. To collect the data a 20x20m plot size was established along with eight systematically laid transect lines and in each plot, the abundance and distribution of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J. F Gmel (tree) and Pentas schiperiana Vatke (shrub) were assessed. The richness and distribution of the tree were evaluated by counting seedlings, saplings, and mature trees, whereas, the shrub was assessed by counting all observed individuals in each plot. From the overall 131 plots assessed, a total of 485 medicinal trees and 760 shrubs were collected. It was identified that the pattern of distribution of the individuals increased while the altitude increased and the highest richness of the individual was recorded at an altitude range between 2332 and 2661m.a.s.l. However, below 2320m.a.s.l. the number of both species decreased indicating either the ecological preference of the species or the extent of the extraction or influences of the local community surrounding the mountain that influenced the individuals. Finally, we recommend management intervention for the socially important species under threat on the mountain landscape.