INTRODUCTION

The SAEON Ndlovu Node is a branch of SAEON that focuses on understanding environmental change occurring in the savanna biome of South Africa. Based in the Kruger National Park, at Phalaborwa, the Node runs a number of long-term research projects in the north-eastern part of the country, in national parks, private conservation areas, mining areas and rural rangelands. "Ndlovu", the name chosen for the Node, means "elephant" in isiZulu. It symbolizes the relatively pristine state of many ecosystems in the savanna biome, as well as the role that these ecosystems play in sustaining economic activities and the livelihoods of people living in the region.