Study

Effects of fire on sward structure and grazing in western Serengeti, Tanzania

  • Published source details Hassan S.N., Rusch G.M., Hytteborn H., Skarpe C. & Kikula I. (2008) Effects of fire on sward structure and grazing in western Serengeti, Tanzania. African Journal of Ecology, 46, 174-185.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use prescribed burning

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Use prescribed burning

    A replicated, controlled study in 2003–2004 of savanna grassland in a national park in Tanzania (Hassan et al. 2008) found that prescribed burning did not result in a higher level of herbivory by mammals. The amount consumed by herbivores varied by season but the overall average amount in burned plots (223 g/m2) was not significantly different to that in unburned plots (176 g/m2). Six study areas (each ≥10 ha, 1–40 km apart) were selected. Each consisted of one patch burned in May–July 2003 and one unburned patch. Herbivore consumption was measured monthly, from September 2003 to July 2004, as biomass differences between caged and uncaged areas in study plots.

    (Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)

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