Seasonal variations in the quality of mopane leaves as a source of browse for mammalian herbivores

Summary This paper deals with seasonal variations in the chemical composition of mopane leaves in terms of their palatability to herbivores. Green mopane leaves were found to be most palatable over summer, a period when, due to very poor rainfall, the veld was at its most desolate. Senescing leaves were at their most palatable in late winter/early spring, this resource maintaining many herbivores for the short period before the spring leaf flush. Four leaf classes were identified during the spring leaf flush: young green leaves were the most palatable followed by very young leaves, mature green leaves and senescent leaves. The flush is independent of rain and coincides with the end of the dry season, a period when most tree species occurring in association with the mopane are leafless and the grass sward is very poor. It begins earlier on heavily browsed trees. Most ungulates present in the area were found to utilize the nutritious young leaves. The importance of this leaf flush is discussed with respect to the management of the area, and the importance of the heavy pressure large mammals are imposing on this veld type is elicited.