A platform for studying the major changes occurring in the savanna biome of the Lowveld region of South Africa. Research centres on disentangling the impacts of climate, fire and herbivores (including elephant and other mega-herbivores) on the productivity and biodiversity of savanna ecosystems. The causes of bushencroachment, and the costs and benefits of bush clearing, is of particular interest, as woody thickening and encroachment are amongst the most significant changes which have occurred in the region over the past century, as is the case for most savannas globally. A second focal area is the sustainability of the harvesting of natural resources that contribute to rural livelihoods like fuelwood harvesting (the primary source of domestic energy in the region), Marula fruit and Mopane worms.
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