Abundance, distribution and status of African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) in dry savanna woodlands in southern Gonarezhou National Park, southeast Zimbabwe

Abstract

The abundance, distribution and status of baobabs (Adansonia digitata L.) in three land categories namely, (i) plains, (ii) riverine and rocky outcrops, and (iii) development areas, in southern Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), southeast Zimbabwe, were determined. Baobabs were sampled between April and August 2010 using transects along existing roads and the Mwenezi River. Height, basal circumference and elephant damage for each baobab tree was measured. A total of 117 baobabs were sampled using 17 transects with a combined length of 238 km. Mean baobab density was significantly higher in the development areas as compared to the plains, riverine and rocky outcrops. However, there were no significant differences in mean diameter at breast height and height for baobab trees across the three land categories. Elephants and possibly fire among other factors may be influencing baobab structure, abundance and distribution in southern GNP. Baobab densities in southern GNP do not seem to indicate that baobabs are in danger of extirpation.