Steven Khosa (SANParks) and Dr Sarah Venter did an evaluation of meshing baobab trees for the last 12 month period. The findings were presented at the Savanna Science Network Meeting in Skukuza in the Kruger National Park in April 2025. The data showed that Elephants were present 97% of the time in areas with meshed trees, compared to 94% in areas with unmeshed trees, indicating that the mesh does not deter elephant presence but effectively reduces tree damage, as meshed trees experienced less stem damage, gouging, and mortality. In contrast, unmeshed trees suffered notable damage, with 31% having up to 10% stem damage, 25% between 10% and 50% stem damage and 3%having over 50% stem damage, 14% experiencing gouging, and 6% dying in the last 12 months. These results highlight the vulnerability of unprotected baobab trees.
