Effects of Prescribed Burning on Abundance of Common Herbivores in Matekenya Vlei, Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA), Zimbabwe

Fire is commonly used to remove long, dry, low-nutritious grass and generate fresh grass for wildlife. The study sought to examine the impact of prescribed burning on common herbivore abundance and habitat selection in Matekenya Vlei, Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA). Four-line transects, two in each block (burnt and unburnt) were set. The average length of each transect was 2.5 km. Daytime transect surveys were conducted between 07:00 hours and 08:00 hours morning and 16:00 hours and 17:00 hours afternoon. Two observers walked along transect lines on the 6th and 7th September 2020 recording all sightings at first sight. Comparison of individual species group size between burnt and unburnt blocks and between morning and afternoon were done using parametric paired-t-test and nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test respectively. A total of eleven common herbivore species (n = 11) were recorded in all blocks. There was no significant difference in group size of impala (Aepyceros melampus), zebra (Equus burchelli), and warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) except for waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) (p < 0.005) between burnt and non-burnt blocks. Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), zebra (Equus burchelli), reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), impala (Aepyceros melampus) and warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) preferred burnt areas. Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and elephant (Loxodonta africana) were predominantly found in tall unburnt areas. Sightings between morning and afternoon varied with species. Researches to establish how management fires can be used to influence herbivore abundance over a long period after prescribed burning are recommended.