lead to an improvement in the veld's quality and grazing capacity, whereas the trees produce abundant foliage and pods, even in times of drought, and are sought after by stock. Trees produce shade that reduces soil temperatures and evaporation, while the decomposition of pods and foliage produces soil rich in nutrients. Pods collected by farmers to feed stock confined to kraals results in a decrease in seedlings and regeneration. The effects of poisoning encroaching Rhigozum trichotomum and Acacia mellifera as well as clearing road reserves, invariably results in collateral damage through the death of non-target species. Timber exploited for fuel There is a thriving market for camel thorn wood in South Africa despite legislation against this practice. Large volumes of wood are trucked to the metropolitan areas and used for barbecues in the suburbs. References Protected areas of the Northern Cape Kalahari Desert