Published November 11, 2010
| Version 1.0
Dataset
Open
White rhino populations in the Eastern Cape: distribution, perfomance and diet
Contributors
Supervisor:
- 1. Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Dept. Zoology, Nelson Mandela University
Description
White rhinoceros did not occur historically in the Eastern Cape (Skead 2007). However, they were introduced in the Eastern Cape in state-run reserves and private land (Shrader 2006). White rhino have been introduced for various reasons in the Eastern Cape including conservation, ecotourism and hunting. The habitats into which these introductions have occurred range from Karoo to Thicket and include grasslands. As a megaherbivore and a specialist grazer (Owen-Smith 1974), it is predicted that this species will alter the dynamics of grass communities at these sites, alternatively, the paucity of grass at most sites may be limiting to these populations.
Notes
To map the current distribution of qhite rhino in the Eastern Cape and to address the hypothesis that white rhino populations in the Eastern Cape should be limited to grass rich habitats and that, given that these represent extralimital populations, that the population performance (fecundity, survivorship) would be lower than for populations within the natural distribution range.