The impact of the African elephant on marula trees in the Kruger National Park

摘要: Previous vegetation studies in the Kruger National Park have shown a dramatic decline density of large trees four major units Park. An assessment damage status Sclerocarya birrea (marula), identified as one most important tree species Park, was conducted across three landscapes indicated that marula were utilized by elephants, resulting weak regeneration and recruitment, with consequent changes to population structure species. Furthermore, results populations two threatened. The objective this study generate data set, which can be used conjunction future monitoring, quantify elephant Results almost half surveyed suffered from due activity, predominantly form bark stripping felling. Felling resulted proportion being reduced height less than five metres. Main stem breakage main cause 7% mortality observed population.