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Ethiopian dry evergreen afromontane forests are primary biodiversity priority areas including many forest patches of Amhara Region. Natural vegetation of the region is now almost exclusively limited to sacred places, very few protected and less accessible areas. Despite different studies on the various dry evergreen afromontane forest patches of the region, there was not a review work on these forest patches at a regional level. Lack of comprehensive review work creates ambiguity to the understanding of the current status of the forest patches. Scientific information on these forest patches is important for future managerial intervention and sustainable utilization. Thus, the review was aimed to evaluate the status of dry evergreen afromontane forest patches of the Region. Each forest patch contained 15–156 plant species with a total of 525 species under 328 genera and 112 families. Asteraceae was the most species richest family followed by Fabaceae. Most patches harbored considerable number of endemic plant species with a total of 46 species within 44 genera and 26 families. Asteraceae was the most endemic species rich family. Most forest patches had high diversity. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height class analyses of most forest patches revealed an inverted J-shape pattern. Mean basal area of the forest patches ranged from 1 m2h−1 to 115.36 m2h−1. In most forest patches many number of species were put in low frequency classes. The forests had more seedlings and/or saplings than mature individuals. Although each patch had a rich source of biodiversity, it is influenced by severe anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, appropriate managerial interventions are required.

Owing to its variable topographic features, Ethiopia is endowed with rich biological resources. However, nowadays, these vital resources, mainly forests, are declining alarmingly, largely, due to agricultural expansion and energy consumption. This study was conducted at Gosh-Beret forest with the objective of investigating the status of forest species. Fifty-one main plots, spaced at a 100 m interval, were laid on north-south oriented transects. Within the main plots, five subplots, at each corner and center, were set to collect data for juveniles. In each plot, individuals of each woody species were identified and recorded. Percent cover abundance of each woody species per plot was genuinely estimated, which was later converted into the modified Braun–Blanquet scale. For each mature woody species, diameters at breast height (DBH ≥ 2 cm) were measured. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to identify community types. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index and Sorensen’s similarity coefficient were used to compare the species diversity and composition among communities, respectively. The structure and regeneration status of the forest species were analyzed using structural parameters and size-class ratios, respectively. A total of 52 woody species distributed in 35 families were recorded. Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Asteraceae were the most dominant families with 4 species each. The overall species diversity of the forest was 2.6, and five community types were generated from cluster analysis. In the study forest, frequency and density of species decrease with increasing frequency and density classes. Likewise, density of individuals in each class decreases as DBH classes increase. The total basal area of the forest was 19.81 m2ha−1, and the forest was at fair regeneration status with species having small IVI values and few/no seedlings. Therefore, immediate conservation measures are required to save species with small IVI values and few/no seedlings.

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Bubugn is a cereal based traditional fermented Ethiopian low alcoholic beverage. It is one of the traditional fermented beverages used for a drink of holidays, wedding ceremony and also used as a source of income. The aims of this study were to determine the microbiology, microbial contaminants and physicochemical characteristics of Bubugn. Nine Samples of Bubugn were collected from Gondar town in three district areas; Azezo (A), Arada (B) and Kebele 18 (C). Microbial counts and physicochemical analysis were enumerated using standard microbiological methods. The mean value of the pH of the samples was 4.20 + 0.14; and the mean value of moisture content was 45. 79 +1.35. The mean crude fat, ash and ethanol contents of Bubugn were 6.67 + 0.16, 4.47+ 0.40 and 1.79 + 0.13, respectively. The mean number of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, yeasts and molds and lactic acid bacteria of Bubugn were 3.74×105 cfu/ml, 5.68 ×106 cfu/ml and 7.52×105 cfu/ml respectively. Bubugn samples were contaminated by Shigella species, E. coli and S. aureus which could be due to poor hygienic conditions related to washing of preparation material, use of contaminated water and poor personal and domestic hygiene. The collected Bubugn samples were contaminated by different microorganisms and therefore, there should be the development of an advanced technique to improve quality. Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing necessary information for other researchers regarding the microbiology, microbial contaminants and physicochemical properties of Bubugn, a traditional fermented Ethiopian beverage. social patterns, consumption practices and the availability of raw materials (Law et al., 2011). Preparation of these products are still in a small scale and remains as a house art even though the method is simple, highly acceptable and adaptable by the society (Nout, 1993; Blandinob et al., 2003). Processing techniques of these products are still used in developing countries especially in communities with low-income levels (Kebede et al., 2004). Many African foods that are prepared by the action of diverse species of fungi, bacteria, and yeasts on plant materials are little known outside their native countries (Kebede, 2007).