CONDENSED TANNIN AS ANTI-DEFOLIATE AGENT AGAINST BROWSING BY GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA-CAMELOPARDALIS) IN THE KRUGER-NATIONAL-PARK

The feeding behaviour of giraffes in the Kruger National Park, South A frica, was observed over 12 months and the diet analysed for condensed tannin content. Supportive evidence was found for plant defence again st excessive browsing by means of tannin biosynthesis. Condensed tanni n negatively influenced acceptability and nutritional value of dietary browse to giraffes. The giraffes avoided high condensed tannin levels . Tannin content of dietary foliage increased due to browse disturbanc e. Tannin levels fluctuated daily within the canopy of individual plan ts in relation to change in temperature, light intensity and phenologi cal status of the foliage.