Effects of exclosures on mountain grassland floristic composition in Sidama, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effects of exclosure on mountain grassland’s species composition, richness, diversity and dominance in Sidama, Southern Ethiopia. Locally established exclosures aged between 10 and 12 years old were compared against adjacent open-grazed areas in Mollona-Meno Kebele for this study. The study was replicated at four sites. An exclosure was paired with adjacent open-grazed lands having a similar land area and slope. Both in the exclosures and adjacent open-grazed lands, 87 and 86 plant species were recorded, representing 20 families, respectively. A significantly higher difference was observed between exclosures and adjacent open-grazed lands in terms of herbaceous species abundance, diversity, evenness and density. Higher herbaceous species’ important value index (IVI) was recorded inside exclosures than in the open-grazed lands. The results suggested that the establishment of exclosures on degraded lands could support the restoration of degraded native herbaceous species which consequently enhanced ecosystem services.