Fire and life in Tarangire : effects of burning and herbivory on an East African Savanna system

摘要: This thesis investigates the effects of fire on quality and quantity forage for grazers in savannas East Africa where has been used as a tool pasture management centuries. Hereby mechanisms that cause effects, well manner which are influenced by abiotic conditions, also discussed. Generally enhances with higher concentrations mineral nutrients, digestibility improved structural vegetation characteristics determine intake. Increased nutrient post-fire regrowth can be ascribed to leaf:stem ratios, rejuvenation reduced dilution nutrients due lower levels standing biomass compared unburned vegetation. Forage available grazing is not enhanced through fire. Rather, especially growth seasons below average rainfall, availability season. With water being prime determinant plant these systems, production after burning explained reduction soil content result litter removal, increases loss evaporation. negative effect have dire consequences both domestic wild herbivore populations when no areas additional resources. Results suggest that, increased human activity African savanna biome, causing decline natural/pastoral an increase intensities frequency, practice should rather than advocated, because itself improves quality. shows concentration wildlife protected areas, particularly elephants, high frequencies, activities, affect tree structure but density. Restriction habitat lie dry season range will however large migratory population numbers insufficient forage.