Plant species diversity, structure, and regeneration status of Dengago Mountain in Eastern Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Thestudy was conducted at Dengago Mountain in Eastern Ethiopia to identify and analyze species' diversity,population structure,and regenerationstatus alongaltitudinal gradients.Asystematic sampling procedurewas employed with 6 transect lines and 45 quadrats established along the transect lines. Datawere collected on the tree,shrubs,climbers, andherbaceousplantsalong altitudinal gradients. Thevegetation data were statistically analyzedin one-way ANOVA using R software(version 4.0.5). A total of 49 species within23familiesand34generawere identified of which42.8% were shrubs, 40.8% trees, 10.2% climbers,and 6.1% tree/shrubs.Tiliaceaewasthedominantand Lower Altitude had significantly higher plant density than MA and UA. On the other hand,Middle altitude hada significantlyhigher Shannon’sdiversity index value and the Jaccard’s similarities index showedthe highest species similarity between MA and UA. The diameterand height class distribution of the population exhibited an inverted J-shape and the regenerationstatusof the forest was in faircondition.The study identified the presence of anthropologic disturbancesand suggest the conservationthe of Dengego mountain.