Journal of Forest Science - In Press
Altitudinal patterns of woody vegetation diversity in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, a Mediterranean mountainOriginal Paper
Moussa Masoud, Hazandy Abdul-Hamid, Johar Mohamed, Attia Alsanousi
This study examines the floristic composition, structural attributes, diversity patterns, and distribution of endemic woody species along an altitudinal gradient in the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar mountains of northeastern Libya. Stratified sampling was conducted across four elevation zones on northern and southern slopes. Phytosociological parameters – including density, basal area, Importance Value Index, and diversity indices –were assessed, and Pearson correlations were used to evaluate relationships with altitude and aspect. A total of 61 woody species from 43 genera and 26 families were recorded, highlighting the region’s biodiversity. Tree and shrub density and basal area increased with elevation, particularly on northern slopes. Juniperus phoenicea L. emerged as the most dominant tree, while Phlomis floccosa D. Don. and Pistacia lentiscus L. dominated the shrub layer. Diversity indices showed negative correlations with altitude, indicating declining species richness and evenness at higher elevations under cooler temperatures and greater environmental stress. Ten endemic woody species were documented, with endemic richness positively associated with altitude, reflecting the role of habitat isolation and environmental filtering. These findings provide essential insights for biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and ecosystem management in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar and comparable mountainous ecosystems.
Cost-benefit and profitability assessment of land use transition from agriculture to plantation forest in Bolosso Sore and Hadero Tunto districts, Southern EthiopiaOriginal Paper
Deginet Berhanu, Gemedo Furo, Gezahegn Seyoum
Rapid land use transitions from crop-based farming to plantation forestry are reshaping rural economies in Ethiopia, driven by declining agricultural productivity, rising demand for wood products, and farmers’ preference for low-risk income alternatives. Eucalyptus has emerged as the dominant plantation species because of its fast growth and high market value. This study evaluates the economic viability of converting cropland to eucalyptus plantations in Boloso Sore and Hadero Tunto districts by comparing the profitability of tree-based and crop-based systems. Using a multistage sampling approach, data were collected from 240 households through surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. A cost-benefit analysis was then conducted using Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Return on Investment (ROI) at an 8% discount rate, followed by sensitivity testing on price, cost, yield, and discount variations. Results show that eucalyptus plantations generate significantly higher returns than annual crops, with an NPV of ETB 388 319.97, a BCR of 16.36, and an IRR of 203%. In comparison, crop systems recorded an NPV of ETB 458 577.05, a BCR of 16.25, and an IRR of 66%. Although crops provide short-term food and cash, eucalyptus ensures higher long-term profits with lower labour requirements. Farmers in Boloso Sore also showed a stronger commitment to plantation forestry even under declining prices compared to those in Hadero Tunto. The study concludes that plantation forestry is economically superior to continued crop farming under current conditions, though it poses food security and ecological trade-offs, underscoring the need for balanced land-use planning.