Abstract:
A study was conducted in Mkata flood plain of Mikumi National Park (Tanzania)
during the dry season of 2003. The aim of the study was to assess the extent of
elephant damage to baobab trees and other woody vegetation, with special
consideration that elephants will use baobabs extensively when water is limited.
Ground survey was employed to assess 50 baobab trees and 724 other woody species
in 20 belt transects. Baobab trees were assessed five times at 3-week intervals to
monitor new elephant damage. The Mkata river survey was undertaken to see
whether there was any area with water. Qualitative survey of baobabs showed 96%
of all trees had old damage, 40% of all trees had recent damage and 20% of all trees
had new damage. Quantitative survey of baobabs revealed that, recent damage was
significantly higher than new one. There was no significant difference in damages
between young, medium sized and large baobabs. Medium sized baobabs were
damaged more significantly than large baobabs. Damage to baobabs did not differ
significantly between different transects. The study revealed 44.6% of woody
vegetation of other species to have elephant damage, 55.4% damaged by unknown
agents and 0.6% were not damaged. The extent of damage to other woody vegetation
was low. Regardless of the cause of damage, 53.6% of the woody species were
lightly browsed, 33.3% were intermediately damaged and 13.1% were seriously
damaged. Mikumi elephants selectively damaged younger woody species more than
larger ones. In overall, Lonchocarpus capassa and Acacia spp. had significantly
higher elephant damage than other species. However, Acacia spp. and Commiphora
africana had relatively high percentage of new damages (11% and 10.7%
respectively), and high preference ratio. It was concluded that, Mikumi elephants
were not a threat to baobabs and other woody vegetation. A long-term study to
compare elephant damage to baobabs in different dry years is recommended.
