 Reference Base  The distribution of mammals in the Namib Desert and adjoi... |
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Coetzee, C.G., 1969. The distribution of mammals in the Namib Desert and adjoining inland escarpment. Scientific Papers of the Namib Desert Research Station 40: 23-36, pls. 1-2, figs. 1-2
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - Namibia |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Records |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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The Namib desert forms a narrow coastal strip along a high inland plateau. The western edge is marked by either mountain chains which form distinct escarpments or by a less clearly marked escarpment. The desert consists mainly of gravel plains, unbroken sand dunes and dune stripes or barchan dunes on gravel plains.
Diceros bicornis is found, in order of preference, in Riverine growths, in Pro-Namib, in Gravel Plains and in adjoining inland plateau.
Black rhinoceroses are frequent visitors to the riverbeds, it can be regarded as a semi-permanent occupant.
Pienaar (in Vedder 1934) recorded a number of rhino in the Swakop Valley during his short visit in 1793 and mentioned the presence of rhino within `a day's journey' of present-day Walvis Bay.
Mr. B. de la Bat (pers.comm.) has informed the author of a remarkably well-preserved elephant tusk and a rhinoceros horn which were recently excavated near Tinkas water-hole, i.e. the desertic Namib/ pro-Namib transitional area about 10 miles south of the Swakop River.
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