Long-term changes in the woody vegetation of the Kruger National Park, with special reference to the effects of elephants and fire

摘要: As part of the investigation reviewing South African National Parks policy on management elephants in Kruger Park Africa it was decided to assess current density and structural diversity woody vegetation park as is affected by fire. The used till recently, limited population approximately 7000 elephants, based a conclusion that 6000 (1 per 1.94 km2) highest number could be carried Park. inclusion effects interaction fire arises from general recognition can have highly significant impact species tree shrub savannas. In absence quantitative data describing condition Park, subjective comparisons changes large trees were made for periods 1940 vs 1960 1986/89 using aerial photographs four major landscape units park. results indicate landscapes areas with granitic soils there no between whereas moderate decline occurred basaltic soils. Conversely during period dramatic all units. On-site inspections botanical surveys suggest result This had arisen because systematic burning programs been introduced at same time elephant numbers risen sharply. presented do not involve decrease but rather change where being transformed into short woodland community interspersed low trees. It concluded if desirable prevent further then should allowed increase, frequency significantly reduced ignition procedure altered allow or simulate point ignitions fires.