Fire in Savanna

Abstract

In the savanna areas of Africa fire is recognized as having an important ecological role in the development and maintenance of productive and stable savanna communities (Phillips 1965; Lemon 1968; Austen 1971; Gillon 1971a; van Wyk 1971; Vesey-Fitzgerald 1971; West 1971). Nevertheless, except for the wildlife areas, the general attitude regarding its practical use tends to be negative; veld burning is applied as a last resort. This view has arisen through the deleterious effects burning has on veld when used injudiciously and has resulted in a reduced number of veld fires in the savanna areas of South Africa. This reduction in the frequency of fires dates from about 1946 when the Soil Conservation Act was proclaimed. Strict procedures governing the use of fire were laid down and the practice of controlled burning in arid savanna was virtually eliminated. Scott (1970) drew attention to this phenomenon when discussing the pros and cons of eliminating veld burning in South Africa and the question arises whether an important or even essential factor of the ecological stability of savanna ecosystems of South Africa is not being inadvertently eliminated.