Islamic Sacred Groves: Ecological Niches of Plant Diversity and Climate Change Mitigation in Northern Ethiopia

Islamic sacred groves represent critical ecological niches, fostering diverse habitats for plants and animals. Despite their ecological significance, safeguarding these areas presents formidable challenges stemming from multifaceted factors. Consequently, our study examines plant diversity, biomass and carbon stock estimation in eight Islamic cultural centers in northern Ethiopia. The data were collected from sixty-three plots: 20×20 m for trees, 5×5 m for shrubs, and five 1×1 m subplots within each main plot. We identified 204 plant species belonging to 144 genera and 66 families. The Asteraceae family emerged as dominant, comprising 17 species accounting for 15.3% of the total species identified. Herbs were the predominant growth form, constituting 102 species (50.2%), followed by shrubs (48 species, 23.7%), trees (43 species, 21.2%), and climbers (10 species, 4.9%). Thirteen endemic plant species were identified, while six indigenous tree species predominantly populated the sites. The altitude and slope significantly influenced the plant species distribution patterns. The total biomass of the stud sites ranged from 12.2 to 283 tons per hectare, contributing 6.1 to 141.5 tons of carbon per hectare. The exhibited CO2 sequestration potential ranged from 17.7 to 408.8 tons per hectare. The study sites serve as repositories of plant genetics, essential for conserving biodiversity and providing germplasm for restoration initiatives. Moreover, they play a crucial role in mitigating climate change impacts in northern Ethiopia.

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