 Reference Base  Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis (L.)): population size... |
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Kiwia, H.D., 1989. Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis (L.)): population size and structure in Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. African Journal of Ecology 27: 1-6, fig.1, tables 1-2
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| Location: |
Africa - Eastern Africa - Tanzania |
| Subject: |
Management |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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To date, information on the Minimum Viable Population (MVP) for ver- tebrates is mostly theoretical and controversial (Soul?, 1987). No attempt has been made to calculate the MVP for the rhino, for since the animal is long-lived, it will take time before a viability analysis for the species is possible. However, from a genetic perspective, a population of twenty-five individuals in the Crater is small enough for its viability to be doubted.
However, the Crater is not a closed ecological unit for the rhinos. Observations show that the temporary visitors interbreed with the floor residents and possibly with the Northern Highland Forest Reserve population, thus minimizing the effects of inbreeding. Given a proper protection from poaching, and if there is no significant change in the habitat, the present rhino population has the potential to increase in size.
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