Effects of Elephant Activities on Forest Plantations in the Kilimanjaro Forest-Game Reserve in Northern Tanzania

A study of the effects of elephant activities on forest plantations was conducted between December 1971 and May 1972 in the Kilimanjaro Forest-Game Reserve. Faecal counts in the forest gave an estimate of elephant population density of 0.67 km-2 and a total population of 1197 ? 259. Trees damaged by elephants were enumerated in a total of 180 quadrats of (50 x 50) m each, covering an area of 45 ha. Out of 175450 trees enumerated an estimated 42565 or 24.3 % sustained damage from elephants. Pinus patula Schiede and Deppe suffered most damage of four exotic tree species studied. Damage by uprooting and breaking was higher in young than in old trees. Girdling accounted for over 75 % of the damage; more in young trees. Browsing resulted in stunted growth of young trees. Damage to tree plantations was severe in areas where weeding, pruning and thinning were late, or in areas where patches of bush were left uncleared between the compartments. Damage was also more severe in the dry season than in the rainy season. Trees were examined for secondary damage by borers or fungi, but no evidence was found. Recommendations for control and regulation of game populations in the reserve are suggested.