Human Impact on a Natural Montane Forest in Southeastern Ethiopia

A forest in the Harerge highlands representing the forests that used to cover all the highland areas of southeastern Ethiopia was studied. It is dominated by Juniperus procera and Podocarpus gracilior which are associated with several broad-leaved tree species. The forest is important for its productive and protective functions as well as for conserving both plant and animal diversity for future uses. However, like many other tropical forests, it is under increased human pressure. As a result, some of the species such as Olea hochstetteri, Hagenia abyssinica, and Juniperus procera are under threat of extinction from the area. The problems associated with human impact are discussed and recommendations that may help to alleviate these problems are presented.