Jachman, H., 1984. Status of the Mwabvi rhino (Diceros bicornis). Nyala 10 (2): 77-90, figs. 1-8, table 1
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - Malawi |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Poaching |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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Before the people were removed from the old extension area in 1975, this corridor was frequently hunted for rhino, which has probably continued at a low scale (during this survey, a 4-year-old female was found killed by poachers south of Nyantoko hill, while another older skeleton (2 to 3 years) was found west of Nyantoko hill, presumably more skeletons can be found in this region). Parker (1976) found it rather strange that no rhino bones were ever discovered in the Reserve. However, a simple calculation will show that intensive patrolling is needed to discover the remains of a rhino that died a natural death in a population of only 7 animals with a lifespan of 30 years. This means that every 4.3 years one rhino dies a natural death, of which the bones remain for perhaps a couple of years. Thus every other two years the remains of only one rhino - that most likely died in the thicker vegetation can be discovered. The remains of some rhino that died a natural death and of those that were killed by poachers have only recently been discovered, firstly because the thickets are never patrolled and secondly because the patrols that are carried out always follow the same tracks.
Illegal activity is the main factor why animal numbers in general have been kept low in the Reserve. Numerous bush-fence traps were found around Nyantoko hill, in Ntaya Thumba thicket and along the Mwabvi and Thangadzi rivers. Within 15 minutes, 10 bush-fences including snares were removed around Dayelo waterhole. Gunshots of muzzle-loaders and shotguns were heard frequently, while the remains of two rhino, killed by poachers were found around Nyantoko hill. It is obvious that the patrol activity of the game scouts is low, while during the patrols that are carried out they seem to almost completely fail to enforce the law. Their poor morale can be understood from the following factors:
i) Mwabvi's unstable political climate, ii) persistent doubt on how to handle law breakers in the extension area, iii) poor discipline due to lack of supervision, iv) unpopularity among the local people who seem to frighten them and, v) time spent on collecting food outside the Reserve.
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Status of the Mwabvi rhino (Diceros bicornis)
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