 Reference Base  Observations on two introduced black rhinos in Liwonde Na... |
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Bhima, R.; Dudley, C.O., 1996. Observations on two introduced black rhinos in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. Pachyderm 21: 46-54, figs. 1-3, tables 1-2
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - Malawi |
| Subject: |
Translocation - Methods |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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From Kruger to Malawi - Diceros bicornis. Rhino behaviour in the bomas
After their capture in Kruger, the rhinos were kept in bomas to minimise stress and to ensure that they were well adapted before translocation to Liwonde. On arrival in Liwonde, they were again kept in bomas wnere they were observed. In both places, observations were made at 07.00 hours, on body condition, health and behaviour. The results from Kruger and Liwonde were compared using the chi-squared test for significance. While in the bomas, the rhinos were offered branches of different plants as food. The species which were eaten were recorded.
Observations in the bomas
At Kruger, the male rhino was watched for 18 days while the female, who was captured a few days after the male, was observed for 11 days. At Liwonde, both rhinos were observed for 47 days in the boma (27 October - 22 December 1993). There was no statistically significant difference in posture recordings (time spent standing or lying down) between Kruger and Liwonde for either animal.
There was a statistically significant difference in the behaviour of the female in the two sites (X2=11.51. df=3, p<0.1). She was calmer in Liwonde than at Kruger. The male, however, was calm and alert at both sites. Neither of the animals was aggressive or depressed. The general body condition of the male (as observed from the rib region) improved significantly in Liwonde (X2=9.1, df=2, p<0.1). All other conditions (defaecation, urination, appetite) appeared normal at both sites and were not tested statistically. There was no sign of reproductive behaviour.
Observations in the bomas indicated that the rhinos were well adapted to the Liwonde environment by the time they were released into the sanctuary. The lack of reproductive signs was expected because the animals had not yet reached sexual maturuty. Most researchers agree that sexual maturity in the black rhino is attained at about seven years of age for females and eight years in bulls (Bertschinger, 1994). The two rhinos in Liwonde are now sexually mature and the female shows signs of being pregnant.
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