The influence of elephants and fire on a Brachystegia-Julbernardia woodland in Zimbabwe

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Abstract
Brachystegia-Julbernardia (miombo) woodlands inside and outside the Sengwa Wildlife Research Area, Zimbabwe, show major differences in structure, biomass and species composition. The woodlands inside the research area have a lower stem area, tree density and biomass than those outside it. The shrubs inside the research area occur at a higher density than they do outside it, but the biomasses of shrubs in the two woodlands are similar. The woodlands inside the research area are affected by elephants and fire, whereas those outside it are affected mainly by fire. It is postulated that the policy of maintaining the elephant population at 250 in the research area is having a beneficial effect and, provided elephants and fire are kept in check, the woodlands inside the research area will eventually recover.