Location: Namibia and South Africa (Waterberg Plateau (Central Namibia), Augrabies Falls National Park (Northern Cape, South Africa), Karoo National Park (Western Cape, SA) and Vaalbos National Park (Northern Cape, SA),. Tswalu (Northern Cape, SA), and Great Fish River Reserve (Eastern Cape, SA)Species: Black (Diceros bicornis bicornis and Diceros bicornis minor)Coordinators: Keryn Adcock, Kenneth Buk, Jo Shaw Type: ResearchAmount awarded: 29,400 euros
AbstractThis proposed study is part of a larger regional research initiative to investigate the link between black rhino habitat quality and population performance across natural black rhino habitats. This is based on our need to better understand the key nutritional differences between plants important in rhino diets versus those rejected by rhino. Some habitats appear to have a plant species composition dominated by rejected or less suitable species. We need to investigate the role of climate and underlying geology in these plant species patterns, but we also need to understand the way in which favourable and unfavourable species availabilities can change over time in rhino habitats, especially under the influence of pressure from browsers.
The regional project will look at the digestibility, nutrients / minerals and secondary chemicals in the available browse and in the diet of the endangered black rhino in several southern African parks representing varying rhino population performances, across low to high rainfall areas, low to high soil fertilities, and low to high browser densities.
SupportThis EAZA proposal will focus primarily on completing work on the western black rhino areas, building on the significant black rhino diet and browse availability research already undertaken by participant researchers. Funding to cover additional eastern and northern rhino areas is currently being sourced through joint international research grants.