Effect of eland density and foraging on Combretum apiculatum physiognomy in a semi-arid savannah

We studied the impacts of eland density on the physiognomy of Combretum apiculatum . We divided the study area into two zones: high eland density zone (≤8 km from watering point) and low eland density zone (≥8 km from watering point). Eland density was determined in each zone using walking transects. Combretum apiculatum height and diameter and levels of eland damage were measured in each zone. Eland density was 1.92 and 0.86 km⁻² for high and low-density zones respectively. We recorded 239 C. apiculatum trees, 138 in low-density zone and 101 in high-density zone. Mean C. apiculatum height was 2.88 ± 0.67 m and 5.05 ± 1.04 m for high and low eland density zones respectively. High eland density prevented the recruitment of C. apiculatum from the 2.6–5.5 m height class to the >5.6 m height class. Although extensive tree damage occurred at <2.5 m height stratum, C. apiculatum showed resilience as recruitment into the 2.6–5.5 m height class continued. We concluded that high eland density prevents recruitment of C. apiculatum to higher height classes while at the same time causing extensive tree damage at lower height strata.