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

ABSTRACT

The effectiveness of Biosphere Reserves in conserving biodiversity, especially in tropical regions under anthropogenic pressure, requires periodic evaluation. This study was aimed to examine the effectiveness of Yayu Forest‐Coffee Biosphere Reserve in southwestern Ethiopia in preserving woody plant diversity, considering the impacts of coffee plant intensification within the buffer zone. The vegetation and environmental data were collected systematically from 100 quadrats (52 in the core zone, 48 in the buffer zone) across topographic gradients. In the Biosphere Reserve, 78 woody plant species were recorded. The Shannon‐Wiener diversity index (H′) was significantly higher in quadrats of the core zone (2.04 ± 0.05) than in the buffer zone (1.72 ± 0.06). Coffea arabica L. abundance explained 47.17% of H′ variation in the buffer zone. A total of three distinct plant communities were identified. The H′ values for the three identified communities were 2.74, 3.28, and 3.41 in the core zone and 2.89, 3.30, and 3.64 within the buffer zone. The findings suggest that intensive management of Coffea arabica may have a negative effect on woody species diversity within the buffer zone of the Biosphere Reserve. The study indicates the need for conservation and management plans in the buffer zone that align with biodiversity conservation goals while supporting community livelihoods.