The response of Phragmites australis to harvesting pressure in the Muzi Swamp of the Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa

Abstract

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. has been harvested in the Muzi Swamp in Maputaland, South Africa for generations. Over the last ten years, however, a flourishing trade in this reed has developed. Concern has now been expressed that at the current levels of utilization the ecological integrity of the Muzi Swamp is being compromised, and that the current harvesting rates are not sustainable in the long term. The hypothesis was put forward that a degradation gradient exists with the most severe degradation occurring the closest to where community members enter the park, and the least degradation the furthest from this point. The results of this study, however, show no distinct degradation gradient. Yet the overall condition of the reeds in the harvesting area is poorer than in the non-utilized area. Expansion of the current harvesting area, coupled with adaptive harvesting systems and yearly monitoring will improve the quality of the reeds within the harvesting area without affecting the harvesting quotas. © 2004 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.