Does large herbivore removal affect secondary metabolites, nutrients and shoot length in woody species in semi-arid savannas?

We hypothesised that exclusion of long-term browsing leads to decreased nutrient concentrations, increased carbon-based secondary metabolites (CBSMs) and decreased shoot length in woody plants in semi-arid savannas. To test this, we sampled four deciduous woody species in a large-scale, long-term exclusion experiment. We found a tendency for large herbivore exclusion to either decrease nitrogen or increase tannin in two tree species. Phosphorus and total polyphenol responses indicated complex interactions with herbivore assemblage. Shoot length decreased under exclusion in two species, while a similar tendency existed in the remaining species. Therefore, we found limited support for our predictions that exclusion of browsing results in reduced nitrogen or increased CBSMs, but moderate support for decreased shoot length in semi-arid savannas. Dichrostachys cinerea, a fast-growing, aggressive invader in savannas, displayed C-limitation with removal of large herbivores because both shoot length and CBSMs decreased. In conclusion, effects of long-term browsing on deciduous trees in semi-arid savannas depend on the plant species, specific nutrients or CBSMs measured and the composition of the herbivore assemblages. Because elephant densities in the study area were high and most responses were associated with their exclusion, we conclude that elephants are important drivers of browse quality in the study area.

► Large-scale long-term exclusion experiment, Kruger National Park, South Africa.
► Four deciduous woody species.
► High browsing pressure increased N or decreased tannin in two species.
► Shoot growth tended to increase under browsing.
► Elephants are important drivers of nutritional value of woody plants taller than 2 m.