Resource Base Assessment of <em>Acacia Seyal</em> in Eastern Amhara Region

Abstract

The study was conducted in north wollo, south wollo and orimiya zone, in Eastern Amhara with an aim to assess the resource potential of Acacia seyal in the selected sites. The data from the selected sites were collected using point center quarter method. A total of 90 quadrates from nine study areas with plot size 50m*50m, (22.5ha) were systematically located along each transect, 100 m apart, and was spatially captured with the aid of GPS. At every sampling point, four quadrants (90 degrees) were created, using the transect line and a line perpendicular to it. Species composition Acacia seyal structure and its regeneration status, at points along transects were taken to analyze diversity and target species structure of the sites. The highest and least density of Acacia seyal ha -1 were attained by Mehale mecharie (148) and Alene sefer (52). The highest shannon weiner diversity and species richness was observed in Alene sefer(Kemessie). Acacia seyal structure in all study sites showed an inverted J shape except lastie gerdao (Gubalafeto). Therefore, Acacia seyal deserves immediate conservation and appropriate management measures in order to get sustainable product and services from the species. Based on the results, awareness creation on the values and management of Acacia seyal, study on the management options of Acacia seyal for firewood, fuel wood, charcoal production and also investigation of gum production techniques of Acacia seyal for the sustainable use of the resource are recommended. IntroductionAcacia species are important in a forestation programs and for producing non-timber forest products in arid and semiarid zones (Amelework et al., 2010).A. seyal belongs to the genus Acacia Mill., which is one the largest genera within the family Mimosaceae.The genus Acacia includes about 1200 species widely distributed in the dry land all over the world (Bakri, 1989). Acacia seyal is one of the strongly gregarious sub sharain tree species with major role of fuel wood and fodder production. According to (Thirakul, 1984;Badi al et al.,1989) indicates that Acacia Seyal is medium size tree up to 17 meters high, but 9-10 m is regarded as full-sized over most of its range with diameter 25-30 cm.Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: