Accurate estimation of forest volume in plantation forests can be made through species‐specific models. However, such models are scarce in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the form factor and develop an improved species‐specific volume model for Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Jabi Tehnan district, Northwestern Ethiopia. A total of 50 individual trees were harvested for volume model development. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height (H) data were collected and used as predictors for volume estimation. The collected data were analyzed using nonlinear regression analysis. A new stem volume model was developed and evaluated using statistical indices, including adjusted R 2 , mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and Akaike information criterion (AIC), and test data. The performance of the models was compared with the previously published models. The result showed that the mean form factor is estimated at 0.48. For volume estimation, both models incorporating DBH with H and DBH‐alone performed best, demonstrating a higher adjusted R 2 and lower MAPE and AIC than previously published models. The DBH‐alone model consistently outperformed other models for both fitting and test data, gaining the advantage of reducing uncertainty in volume estimate associated with height measurements. In conclusion, the best model provides accurate estimates for the stem volume of Eucalyptus camaldulensis within the calibrated diameter range, relevant for practicing sustainable forest management in the study area and similar conditions where the species is grown in Ethiopia.
Endalamaw et al. (Thu,) studied this question.