Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is a robust perennial grass native to tropical and subtropical Africa. It grows as tall, cane-like stalks, reaching 4 to 7 meters, forming dense clumps. This fast-growing, abundant plant thrives in various conditions, making it a significant ecosystem component.
Large Wild Grazers
African elephants are prominent consumers of elephant grass, which is reflected in the plant’s common name. These mixed feeders incorporate substantial amounts of grass into their diet, particularly during the wet season. A single elephant can consume 150 kilograms of vegetation daily, with the tall growth of elephant grass providing ample forage.
Rhinoceros species, including white and Indian rhinos, are primarily grazers that consume significant grass amounts. White rhinos are well-adapted for grazing on long grasses like elephant grass due to their wide, square lips. Indian rhinos also consume tall, fibrous varieties, utilizing their large size and specialized digestion to process the less nutritious, cellulose-rich material.
Hippopotamuses are mainly terrestrial grazers, leaving water at night to feed on land grasses. They use powerful lips to crop vast amounts of grass, with an adult hippo consuming 40 to 50 kilograms per night. Elephant grass contributes to their bulk intake, supporting their large mass.
Zebras rely extensively on grasses, making them common consumers of elephant grass. They consume a wide variety of grasses, adapting to coarser, drier types during arid periods. Their grazing helps maintain the ecosystem by preparing areas for other grazers.
African buffalo are successful grazers, with grass often comprising 75-100% of their diet. They efficiently consume large quantities of grass, including tall varieties like elephant grass, using their tongues and wide incisor rows. Buffalo herds can shape grasslands by reducing tall grasses, benefiting more selective grazers.
Smaller Wild Herbivores and Insects
Numerous smaller wild herbivores also feed on elephant grass. Various antelope species, such as waterbuck, topi, and common eland, include grasses as a primary diet. These diverse grazers contribute to widespread elephant grass consumption across African savannas.
Warthogs are primarily grazers, with grasses typically dominating their diet, often constituting 87-88% of their intake. They frequently kneel on their padded knees to access shorter grasses, but their foraging habits can shift seasonally to include roots and bulbs. This adaptability allows them to utilize elephant grass and other vegetation.
Insects also play a role in consuming elephant grass, contributing to the ecosystem’s energy flow. Various invertebrate herbivores, including grasshoppers and caterpillars, feed on the plant. Stem borers, such as Busseola fusca and Chilo partellus, infest elephant grass, serving as a host for agricultural pests.
Domesticated Animals
Elephant grass serves as a valuable forage crop for domesticated animals in tropical and subtropical regions. Its rapid growth and high biomass production make it a popular feed for livestock. Farmers commonly utilize it in cut-and-carry systems, harvesting it to feed their animals.
Cattle and buffaloes are significant consumers of elephant grass, benefiting from its high fodder yield. It is a common feed for goats and sheep on smallholder farms. While less frequently used for horses, the grass’s palatability can vary with its maturity.
Extensive cultivation of elephant grass highlights its importance in global agricultural systems. Its capacity to thrive with relatively low water and nutrient inputs contributes to its role as a sustainable feed option.