Ethiopia with a population of 71.3 million covers a total land area of 1.12 million sq. km, with diverse geo-physical features. It has a wide range of altitudes varying between 126 meter below sea level and 4620m above sea level that resulted in a wide range of climatic conditions and a multitude of agro-ecological zones. The varied ecological setting has enhanced evolution of various life forms including more than 7000 species of vascular plants, of which about 12 percent are believed to be endemic. It is estimated that some 40 years ago 35-40% of Ethiopia's land was covered by high forests. Today, only a small portion (3-4%) remains in fragmented state.