The differential effects of elephants on rain forest communities in the Shimba Hills, Kenya Original Research Article

Evidence of elephant activities in a logged-over remnant of a coastal rain forest in Kenya was determined in relation to forest structure and floristic composition. Phytosociological analysis of the Longomagandi Forest yielded two distinct plant communities: one occupying the closed, and the other the disturbed, forest. Indices of elephant activities were dung counts, length of paths, records of browsed, debarked and uprooted plants and the area of trampled and torn ground. Most signs of elephant activities were closely correlated with phytosociological characteristics. Structural properties of the vegetation appeared to be less important for the elephantsʹ choice of habitat. Floristic composition and the presence of certain fodder plants directed the main activity of elephants to the regeneration phase of disturbed forest. Limited recruitment of and heavy damage to the plants characteristics of the following successional stages indicate that the regeneration of these parts of the forest is impeded. Implications for forest conservation are considered.