At. Lombard et al., Protecting plants from elephants: botanical reserve scenarios within the Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa, BIOL CONSER, 102(2), 2001, pp. 191-203
At current densities, elephants are having a severe impact on plant communi
ty structure and species richness in the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP)
, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Those species that are particularly vulnerabl
e to elephants comprise the bulk of the regionally endemic, Red Data Book a
nd rare species (special species) associated with succulent thicket, a vege
tation type endemic to the Eastern Cape. The AENP is the only national park
in South Africa that contains succulent thicket. Other thicket-containing
reserves exist but have insufficient management resources. The AENP can be
divided into 16 units based on management and grazing history. Using these
units, we show a strong relationship between the duration of exposure to el
ephant impacts and the richness and density of special species in the Park.
Using an iterative reserve-selection procedure, we identify a core system
of five botanical reserves within the Park. This system would represent 91
% of the Park's special plant species in less than 8 % of its area. We reco
mmend an implementation strategy based on the irreplaceability and vulnerab
ility values of each unit, and each species. This involves the maintenance
of three existing botanical reserves, the establishment of two additional r
eserves, the deproclamation of one existing reserve, and further conservati
on actions to ensure the protection of those special species not included w
ithin the core system of botanical reserves. We also provide suggestions fo
r the resolution of the conflicts between elephant conservation and mainten
ance of plant biodiversity in the AENP. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All
rights reserved.