Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Is Elephant Damage to Woody Vegetation Selective of Species, Plant Parts and What could be Plausible Factors Influencing such Selectivity? A Case Study of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia’

Chansa Chomba,Costance Banda

This survey was carried out in the Luangwa Valley eastern Zambia. The main aim and objectives were to; determine the pattern of elephant damage to wood vegetation by examining damage categories, species and plant parts affected and plausible factors influencing such selectivity in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Objectives were to; observe and classify elephant damage categories, identify tree species and plant parts affected by each damage category, determine tree height and girth size selected. The Point Centre Quarter Method, a plot less method which does not require a correction factor was used. Results obtained showed that elephant damage to woody vegetation was selective. Five damage categories were recorded, and these were; broken branch/stem, debarking (including stripping and ring barking), scarring, push over, and uprooting. Of the five damage categories, broken branch/stem had the highest frequency 80 %, and the least was up rooting 2 %. Major factors influencing such damage categories were; tree species specific characteristics, tree height, and trunk girth size. Further research is required to determine the influence of season (dry and wet seasons), water availability, soil factors, distance from water source and other factors on elephant foraging behaviour in South Luangwa National Park.

Published Date: 2016-10-03;