The responses of grass species to grazing intensity in the miombo woodlands of the Chibombo District of the Central Province, Zambia

A grazing intensity gradient in a Zambian woodland covering four sites with long-term grazing histories is defined through ordination procedures. Graz ing intensity ranged from zero grazing to severe overutilisation. The frequ ency and level of abundance of 28 commonly occurring grass species were rec orded over the gradient to determine their responses to grazing intensity. Each of the grasses were allocated to one of five ecological status groups. Andropogon gayanus could be a reliable indicator of underutilisation, whil e Eragrostis palens and Sporobolus pyramidalis could be reliable indicators of overgrazed conditions.