| dc.description.abstract | Elephant tree damage is a key factor in conservation and restoration efforts of African rain forests. This
study was conducted between June 2009 and February 2010 to examine elephant damage and tree
response in restored parts of Kibale National Park, a rain forest in Uganda. First gazetted as Forest
Reserve in 1932, the area had its southern block settled and degraded through human utilization
between 1970 and 1987. In 1992, the government of Uganda relocated the settled people and embarked
on a restoration process. Whereas, trees such as Ficus species exhibited high coping abilities to
elephant damage through re-sprouting, coppicing and bark recovery; Prunus Africana struggled
because it is highly preferred by elephant for feeding and is also demanded by humans. Whereas,
options that can minimize elephant damage through selective planting of less desired species may be
successful, these will deflect the problem of elephant damage to local farmers through experiences of
increased crop raiding as the animals search for preferred forage. A more accommodative approach
that includes desirable species which can cope with damage; and the protection of endangered species
that happen to be desired by both humans and elephant may be more rewarding. | |
