Comparative Analysis of Woody Species Diversity and Community Structure in the Core and Buffer Zones of a Tropical Moist Afromontane Forest

Summary

This field study assessed the conservation effectiveness of Yayu Forest-Coffee Biosphere Reserve in southwestern Ethiopia by quantifying woody plant diversity across core and buffer zones. The core zone maintained significantly higher species diversity (H′ = 2.04) than the buffer zone (H′ = 1.72), with intensive Coffea arabica management explaining 47% of diversity variation in the buffer zone. The findings suggest that coffee intensification in the buffer zone negatively impacts woody species diversity, highlighting the need for integrated conservation-livelihood management strategies.

Regional applicability

This study addresses conservation effectiveness in a tropical Afromontane agroforestry system quite distinct from United Kingdom temperate conditions and protected area management approaches. However, the methodological framework for assessing biodiversity trade-offs between production intensification and conservation within buffer zones may inform UK agroforestry and agroecological policy, particularly regarding woodland management and farm diversification in protected landscapes.

Key measures

Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′), woody plant species richness, Coffea arabica abundance, plant community classification across topographic gradients

Outcomes reported

The study measured woody plant species diversity and community structure across core and buffer zones of Yayu Forest-Coffee Biosphere Reserve, comparing Shannon-Wiener diversity indices and identifying the impact of coffee intensification on plant community composition.

Direct research

Forest-coffee reserve compares woody diversity under coffee intensification, giving an explicit farming/agroforestry link.

Limits: Observational core/buffer quadrats cannot isolate intensification causality; not a generic forest exclusion.

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