Gakahu, C.G., 1991. African rhinoceroses: challenges continue in the 1990s. Pachyderm 14: 42-45, figs. 1-4, table 1
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| Location: |
Africa |
| Subject: |
Conservation |
| Species: |
African Rhino Species |
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The capture and translocation of solitary rhinos to small safe sanctuaries has proved the best strategy. The success of the Kenyan experiment is evidence that normal population growth can be realized together with improved security from poaching. However, sanctuaries do pose management challenges in the establishment, development and operational stages.
Adopting sanctuaries without overall long-term management plans should be avoided. Plans and their development assist in evaluating costs, prospects and available alternatives, and are likely to gain the attention of international donor agencies. A preliminary survey for the establishment of a sanctuary should cover: the geographic location and history of the area in terms of past rhino numbers; the available food vegetation, security, the communication infrastructure, which is essential during translocation and future protection; and natural factors like predators and disease. Evaluation of other forms of land use and investigation of the lifestyles of surrounding human communities to establish potential support or hostility toward the sanctuary are also essential. Finally, there is need to assess the indirect benefits towards other wildlife species and habitats within the proposed sanctuary and neighboring conservation areas.
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African rhinoceroses: challenges continue in the 1990s
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