Floristic Composition, Structure, and Regeneration Status of Wakani Forest in Guagusa Shikudad District, Awi Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia

Understanding the floristic status of remnant forests is essential for future forest management interventions. This study aimed to investigate the floristic composition, vegetation structure, and regeneration status of Wakani Forest in the Guagusa Shikudad District of Ethiopia. A systematic sampling method was employed to collect vegetation data along three transect lines across altitudinal gradients. In total, 63 main sample plots (20 x 20 m) were established. Packages from the R statistical software were utilized to analyze species composition and vegetation structure. A total of 64 vascular plant species representing 60 genera and 41 families were identified. The Fabaceae family had the highest number of species, with six representatives. Five endemic species were documented. Trees comprised over one-third (36%) of the total species. The results showed a high diversity index value (H' = 3.13). Community type 4 had the highest species richness (60), evenness, diversity, and importance value index among the four types. Apodytes dimidiata had the highest important value index. In conclusion, the number of mature individuals in Wakani Forest exceeds that of seedlings and saplings, indicating a concerning lack of regeneration that necessitates immediate conservation interventions. Cite this article as: Berihun, G., Meragiaw, M., & Assefa, A. (2026). Floristic composition, structure, and regeneration status of Wakani Forest in Guagusa Shikudad District, Awi Zone, northwestern Ethiopia. Forestist, 76, 0118, doi: 10.5152/forestist.2026.25118.