About This Project

Baobab trees in South Africa are a unique savanna feature. They provide crucial habitats for an entire community of animals. However, they are being destroyed by elephants in densely populated nature reserves To promote an initiative to protect the trees, this conservation project will document the endangered animals that rely on these trees for habitat to showcase their importance.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Elephants in densely populated game reserves are unintentionally killing baobabs by stripping the bark and damaging the tree trunks, as they find the bark to be a delicious snack. Some research shows that many animals make their homes in baobabs due to the unique habitat it provides in the savanna, as this is often the largest tree around. The elephant damage to these trees is leading to the loss of a unique savanna habitat that many animals rely on, including species like critically endangered nesting birds. We, therefore, need to investigate if elephant damage to these trees is detrimental to local animal populations and find ways to protect the trees without having to negatively impact the elephants.

What is the significance of this project?

Despite some research showing the importance of baobabs in the savanna, we mostly have no idea of the true extent of this keystone species' importance. Whilst some endangered species (like vultures) have already been recorded nesting in the trees, a full-scale survey in South Africa has never been done. This means we have no idea about the true number of animal species (mammals, reptiles, and birds) that depend on baobabs for habitat. This project is therefore not just helping to conserve the iconic savanna tree but the animals that rely on them too. We must prevent negative domino effects in the savanna landscape with pre-emptive conservation before a vital habitat is lost and animal populations are threatened even more.

What are the goals of the project?

The first goal is to do a full survey of all animals (mammals, reptiles, birds) that are utilizing baobabs (in at least 90 trees) for habitat (roosting, nesting, feeding, etc). Then, compare animals using baobabs to alternate habitats in the savanna (other smaller savanna trees). This will determine if baobabs are significantly playing a role as keystone habitats and for which animal species.

Secondly, model which baobab trees are the most important for conserving animals to determine which trees are a conservation priority for baobab protection management (which trees are most at threat from elephant damage). This will use baobab features (like size and location) and correlate that with the number of animal species that depend on the trees and the threat risk from elephants.