A survey of the available browse for the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis Linnaeus, 1758) in a farmland area in the Kunene region, Namibia
The black rhinoceros (Diceris bicornis ssp. bicornis Linnaeus, 1758) is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. In conservation strategies knowledge about the forage availability is a management priority. Hence the aim of this study is to investigate the browse availability for the black rhinoceros at a farm in northwestern Namibia, as an initial attempt to decide how many individuals that could be introduced to the area to further expand their range to secure the future of this critically endangered species. To estimate the browse availability 19 sampling squares with a size of 50x50 meters were taken in those areas that were most representative of the vegetation. Trees and shrubs within the squares were counted and the height of each specimen measured and categorized into different height levels. As the black rhinoceros browse up to two meters above ground leaves and twigs from 0-2 meter height were pruned from different species and were then weighted to estimate the available biomass. The average available biomass per hectare in the area was 3016 kg, by the time of the data collection. Based on calculations made the area would be able to feed 664 individuals. As these calculations and estimations were made with high margins and with caution not to overestimate the amount of available browse it is safe to suggest that a smaller population of black rhinoceroses could be introduced to the area without risking the browse to be insufficient. Furthermore the vegetation of the studied area is found in a wider range, which means that the results potentially also could be applied regionally and used by other conservancies that consider becoming black rhino custodians.
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A survey of the available browse for the black rhinoceros.pdf | 383.8 KB |