Population Status, Ranging Patterns and Feeding Strategies of the Black Rhinoceros (Diceros Bicornis, Linn. 1758) in Nairobi National Park, Kenya
Abstract
In this study of Nairobi National Park;30 black rhinoceroses
were observed (14 males, 9 females and 7 calves). The adult
sex ratio was 1.6:1 males to females, which was fotmd to be
significantly different from the expected unit ratio of adult
animals. The home ranges were fotmd to be relatively small
with very high percentage overlap, as high as 100% in some cases.
A total of S2 plant species 'Were identified in the rhinoceros
dung during the two seasons. The frequency of occurrence in
the dung varied from season to season. The dry weights of the
plants potentially eaten by the rhinoceros and the available
biomass depended on the physiognomic structure of the plant
species. Disturbance by man affected the distribut i_onof the
black rhinoceros in the study area. A total density of 480.9 Kg
1 L -I
ha - available biomass was found in the plains and 592. 3 kg ha-1
in the forest.
Citation
MSc.Publisher
University of Nairobi Department of Zoology