Diversity and endemism of the flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea: state of knowledge and future perspectives

Abstract

Understanding biodiversity of plants depends on detailed knowledge of floristics and environmental parameters. According to the Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea (FEE; 1989–2009), the latest academic flora of these two topographically complex countries, the number of taxa (including non-indigenous ones) is 6027 of which 647 are endemic. Since 2009, 56 indigenous taxa have been described from the FEE area. Based on FEE data and later information, the number of indigenous species is here counted at 5219. In the RAINBIO database Sosef et al. (BMC Biol 15:1–23, 2017) counted the number of indigenous species in Ethiopia at 4481 (Eritrea not counted). Studies of local diversity and endemism produce different results with varying methods and sources: FEE data show highest diversity in the southern part of Ethiopia near the borders with Kenya, while RAINBIO data show highest diversity in the south-west and around the town of Harar. Wang et al. (J Syst Evol 58(1):33–42, 2020) found the highest ‘weighted endemism’ in the central Ethiopian mountains, while our FEE data indicates highest single-region endemism near the borders with Kenya and Somalia; Hawthorne and Marshall (Gard Bull Singap 71(Suppl. 2):315–333, 2019), weighting species according to rarity, found the highest ‘bioquality score’ in the same areas as our highest single-region endemism. Studies of altitudinal diversity show a ‘mid-elevation diversity bulge’ at 1400–2100 m a.s.l. More data are needed before we understand the complex diversity of the two countries, including altitudinal diversity. We review needs for additional data gathering and modelling that may help answering outstanding questions. Graphic abstract

Daily Activity Pattern of Geladas (Theropithecus gelada, Ruppell 1835) in Kotu Forest, Northern Ethiopia

“…Ethiopia is one of the few countries in the world that possesses unique and characteristic fauna and ora with a high level of endemism [19][20][21][22][23]. Gelada ( eropithecus gelada) is one of many endemic mammals of Ethiopia.…”

Traditional ethnobotanical knowledge and ethnomedicinal use of plants in the Tropical Rift Valley of Ethiopia

“…Many therapeutic plants may be found in Ethiopia's south and southwest parts [ 24 , 25 ]. However, indigenous knowledge of using these plants in traditional herbal medicine was not exhaustively documented [ 2 ].…”

Adoption of Modern Hive Beekeeping Technology: Evidence from Ethiopia

“…The diverse agro-climatic conditions of the country generate a climate that supports the cultivation of more than 7000 types of flowering plants, the majority of which are bee plants [30]. Demissew et al [31] also confirm that Ethiopia is home to several indigenous flowering plant species. The ideal environment of the country allows the existence of approximately 10 million honeybee colonies, of which 7 million are housed in various man-made hives and the rest are wild colonies [32].…”