Author(s)

K. Duffy

Abstract

Herbivores utilise vegetation through browsing and grazing. Over-browsing and over-grazing along with drought and fire are major factors in transitions between woodlands and grasslands. An interesting question is to what extent a single factor can induce the transition? This question is especially pertinent for elephant because they are one of the most destructive browsers in African savannahs. Do circumstances exist where elephant are the predominant factor in driving woodland to grassland transition? A simple model is considered to investigate this question. 1 Introduction In South Africa, reintroduction of wildlife on small to medium sized farms is common. A primary concern for the landowners and farmers who introduce elephant is the effects they will have on tree and grass densities. Elephants are known to be destructive with

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