The effects of foraging from large animals of trees species Group members: Edwin Thobela Joel Magoro Derrick Malatji Jonas Mamabolo

The effects of foraging from large animals of trees species Background: Foraging actions: eating parts of trees Browsers: giraffe, elephant, kudu, impala Most eat leaves e.g. Elephant eat leaves, stems, roots Vegetation structure is affected (broken branches, stems, uprooted trees)

Hypothesis Trees exposed to foraging activity will be shorter and smaller than those that are not

Aim To assess if animal foraging affect tree heights and canopy of savanna trees

Method 2 plots outside with animal foraging 2 plots protected from foraging Measured heights and canopy (grasses) We used a tape measure& height pole to measure diameter and tree heights for all the trees in each plot

Results Outside Plots →66 individual trees (11 species) Marula and acacia species were the most damaged Average height of trees in outside plots is 2 m Inside → 57 individual trees (17 species) Average height of trees in inside plots 3.4 m

Animals recorded Giraffe Zebra Buffalo Elephant Impala Kudu Baboon wildebeest

Results

Canopy

Discussion We accept our prediction. Yes browsers alter the structure of the vegetation. They reduce tree structure and height through continuous feeding. For elephants, it is through breaking the branches and up rooting the trees In places with no animal activity we found more species diversity (11 vs. 17). This means if we keep out animals some tree species survive