Menagesha State Forest (6265)
Ethiopia, Africa

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2011

National site name: Menagesha State Forest

Central coordinates: Latitude: 8.9880, Longitude: 38.5760

System: terrestrial

Elevation (m): 2200 to 3385

Area of KBA (km²): 95.88935

KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: Menagesha State Forest is in West Shewa Zone. It is on the south-western slopes of Mt Wechecha and can be reached via either the Jimma or Ambo roads. Mt Wechecha is a massive (3,385 m) extinct volcano. The mountainsides are generally steep with ravines cut by streams and rivers. The southern base of the mountain is at c.2,200 m and flanks the Becho plains. Menagesha State Forest covers 9,248 ha, and in 1990 plantation forest comprised 1,316 ha and natural forest 2,720 ha, the remainder being open farmland, grazing and bare land. The natural forest is dominated by Juniperus procera that grows to c.30 m, and forms a relatively open canopy. Olea europaea cuspidata, Allophylus abyssinicus, Maytenus spp. and Euphorbia ampliphylla form the understorey, and some Podocarpus falcatus trees are scattered throughout the forest. At higher altitudes, smaller Juniperus procera are mixed with Erica arborea, Rosa abyssinica and the endemic Jasminum stans. Two giant herbs, Lobelia gibberoa and Solanecio gigas dominate the sides of the valleys, while the striking Scadoxus multiflorus carpets the forest floor. The area all around Menagesha forest is intensively but traditionally farmed, for livestock and crops. The forest is popular with visitors.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas) KBA identified in the process of compiling the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the East Afromontane Hotspot. Species taxonomy and threat category was based on IUCN Red List 2010-4.

Additional biodiversity: See Box and Table 3 for key species. The site holds a particularly high number of Afrotropical Highlands biome species, among which are three Ethiopian endemics, Agapornis taranta, Dendropicos abyssinicus and Parophasma galinieri. Other highland species of interest include Tauraco leucotis, Lybius undatus, Zoothera piaggiae, Pseudoalcippe abyssinica, Oriolus monacha, Cinnyricinclus sharpii and Onychognathus tenuirostris. Also of notes are Stephanoaetus coronatus (which breeds), Apaloderma narina and Poicephalus flavifrons. Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.

Delineation rationale: 2010-04-16 (BL Secretariat): area of site has been increased from 9248 ha to 9557 ha, so as to match the current size of the National Forest Priority Area (according to WDPA 2009).

Habitats

Land use: forestry | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation | water management

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Artificial - Terrestrial	100

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Due to its close proximity to Addis Ababa, Menagesha State Forest has a long history of exploitation and reforestation. As early as the fifteenth century the forest was degraded and then replanted with Juniperus procera on the orders of Emperor Zera Yacob. In the 1900s, large-scale removal of wood for fuel and construction was noted, with logging continuing until 1955, at which time strict protection was put in place and had been maintained until recently. Reforestation started as early as 1949, when logging operations were still in full swing. Since 1991, local people have increasingly exploited the forest. Uncontrolled felling of trees continues unabated and is of major concern for the conservation of the forest. The wood is sold in the nearby towns of Sebeta and Holeta. Wood for construction and fuel is taken to Addis Ababa where there is a high demand. Ironically, the recently rehabilitated Menagesha Forestry Training Centre, in the middle of the forest, is being used to train regional forestry staff in forest conservation and management. Other groups also use the centre for workshops, and with improved (all-weather) access to the forest it could be used throughout the year as a major environmental education centre for Addis Ababa. The 1-ha tree nursery in the village of Suba produces seedlings (both exotic and indigenous) to replant the forest and surrounding areas.

Additional information