Seasonal changes in biomass concentration in three coastal grassland communities in Transkei.

Abstract

The density of forage available to wild ungulates was measured in terms of biomass concentration. Data were collected in three grassland communities for several months. In two of the communities burning and grazing treatments were also applied. The biomass concentration was greatest in the shortest sward. Results indicate that after burning biomass concentrations were temporarily below the level required by a LSU to maintain body mass. This temporary shortage existed for 5-6 months after a fire. This may be partly responsible for the increased grazing frequently observed following a fire.

Keywords: biomass; body mass; burning; burnt; fire; forage; grassland; grassland communities; grazing; grazing treatments; lsu; mkambati game reserve; pondoland; south africa; transkei; unburnt; ungulates