TITLE:
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Grassland Loss in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area, Sebungwe, Zimbabwe
AUTHORS:
Mukululi Ndlovu, Victor Badza, Christopher Hungwe
KEYWORDS:
Habitat Loss, Bush Encroachment, Savanna, Woodland
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.16 No.10,
October
26,
2026
ABSTRACT: Grassland loss in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area was determined for a period spanning 24 years from remote sensing data. The results show a net loss of open grasslands by 29% between 2001 and 2025, which is a net loss of 414 hectares. Riparian woodland increased by 86% during the same period. Mixed Combretum surged by 1,494 hectares between 2001 and 2013 and decreased by 285 hectares between 2013 and 2025. The aggressive growth of Combretum woodland slowed and retracted by 285 hectares. Mopane woodland loss was experienced throughout from 2001 to 2025, with a net loss of 2.9%. A temporal shift was also observed in grassland, with an increase of 188 hectares between 2020 and 2025, while bare areas decreased by 152 hectares. The results of this study indicate complex vegetation change dynamics, which have implications for habitat management and the survival of specialised grazer species. This study shows a surge in bush encroachment, which may be reaching upper thresholds. With a sharp decline in elephant population, which is the historical regulator of woodland in the study area, grassland loss is likely to increase.