 Reference Base  Status of the black rhinoceros in the Masai Mara National... |
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Morgan-Davies, M., 1996. Status of the black rhinoceros in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Pachyderm 21: 38-45, figs. 1-5, table 1
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| Location: |
Africa - Eastern Africa - Kenya |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Status |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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It is generally acknowledged that the population of black rhino Diceros bicornis michaeli in what is now the Masai Mara National Reserve (the Reserve) during the mid-1900s probably numbered between 150-200 animals (Brett, 1995). However, as a result of poaching, the thinning of the Croton dichogamus thickets (that are such a characteristic feature of the Mara and northern Serengeti), and an appreciable increase in elephant numbers (Dublin, 1991), this figure has been greatly reduced. By 1972 there were known to be only 108 rhinos remaining in the Reserve (Mukinya, 1973). In the following decade poaching continued and by 1985 the population of rhinos had been reduced by over 80% to fewer than 13 animals (Brett, 1995). The status of the black rhino had reached crisis point in the Reserve. Within a span of 12 years rhino numbers have trebled to a healthy population of 40 animals. The increase has been due to improved surveillance and monitoring, the cessation of rhino poaching within the Reserve, the birth of 25 calves and the identification of four, hitherto unrecorded animals during the period of this study.
In the mid-1900s, the Masai Mara had a justified reputation as being a haven for wildlife. Rhinos were reported to have occurred in relatively large numbers in suitable habitats throughout the Reserve. The majority were located in the Triangle area, some in the Keekorok area and a few in the Musiara area - in total, an estimated 150-200 animals (Jack Barrah, pers.comm.).
However, in the 1960s, as a result of extensive poaching for rhino, combined with the destruction of the habitat by constant, uncontrolled, annual (and even biannual) bush fires and an exceptionally heavy influx of elephants seeking asylum in the Reserve (Dublin, 1991), rhino numbers declined appreciably. By 1972 only 49 % of the area was occupied by 108 rhinos in 13 separate distribution areas (Mukinya, 1973), as shown in Figure 2A as areas A to M.
Persistent and extensive poaching during the following ten years resulted in the further removal of many of the remaining rhinos. This was most noticeable in the Triangle area west of the Mara River, the area between Sand River and the Kuka Hills where rhinos have been eliminated, and in the Musiara area where only a single animal remains. Only 30% of the Reserve is now occupied by 40 rhinos in five distribution areas (A-E), all of which are located east of the Mara River, as illustrated in Figure 2B. The present study indicates that the configuration of rhino home ranges and distribution areas have altered considerably over the past 20 years.
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