Riparian Vegetation Quality Assessment Using QBRy Index Across Three Sub-Basins in Kiliti Watershed, Ethiopia

Haileyesus Gelaw; Getahun Haile

doi:10.55927/mudima.v6i10.136

Authors

Haileyesus Gelaw Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Injibara University, Ethiopia. P.O. Box 40
Getahun Haile Department of Natural Resources Management, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dilla University, P.O. Box 419, Dilla, Ethiopia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/mudima.v6i10.136

Keywords:

Riparian vegetation, QBRy index, ecological quality, sub-basin, Kiliti watershed

Abstract

Riparian zones act as vital ecological corridors linking terrestrial and aquatic systems, yet they are increasingly disturbed in tropical watersheds. This study assessed riparian vegetation condition using a locally modified QBRy (Qualitat del Bosc de Ribera) index across thirty sampling sites within the Amen, Kiliti, and Gurdala sub-basins of the Kiliti watershed in Ethiopia. Each site was evaluated for vegetation cover, species composition, structural diversity, and channel modification to determine riparian health status. Comparative statistical analyses revealed significant variation among sub-basins: Gurdala attained the highest mean QBRy score (≈79.5 ± 10.3), followed by Amen (≈60.6 ± 10.0) and Kiliti (≈49.5 ± 6.9). Gurdala sites largely fell within the “Excellent” or “Good” categories, whereas Kiliti was dominated by “Moderate” and “Poor” conditions. A strong positive relationship (r = 0.76, p < 0.01) between altitude and QBRy indicated that higher elevations tend to support healthier riparian zones, likely due to lower human interference. Vegetation cover and channel condition were the primary factors influencing riparian quality. The QBRy index proved effective as a rapid, integrated approach for evaluating riparian ecosystem health in tropical highland settings.

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