 Reference Base  Status of the black rhinoceros in the Masai Mara National... |
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Morgan-Davies, M., 1996. Status of the black rhinoceros in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Pachyderm 21: 38-45, figs. 1-5, table 1
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| Location: |
Africa - Eastern Africa - Kenya |
| Subject: |
Ecology - Population |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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Individual home range sizes were assessed by computing the area of a polygon by connecting the recorded peripheral points of each home range. Distribution areas were determined from groups of rhinos whose home ranges overlapped to a considerable extent. The measured home ranges, distribution areas, and population statistics were then compared with the findings of Mukinya (1973).
Home range sizes for seven of the 11 adult males and five of the 13 adult females vary from seven to 126 km?, with a mean of 46 km?. Female home ranges are slightly larger than males. Females range from 12 to 126 km?, with a mean of 51 km?, while males range from seven to 83 km? with a mean of 42 km?. No account has been taken of eight adult rhinos whose home ranges extend into the northern Serengeti though the extent of their ranges within the Reserve are known. In 1971/72 when Mukinya (1973) did his studies, the Reserve rhino densities were higher and overall home ranges were smaller, varying from 5.6 km? to 22.7 km? with a mean of 13.l km?.
The marked increase in the size of home ranges can be possibly attributed to each or a combination of the following:
- Reduced competition for suitable habitat
- Reduction in food resources due to annual, uncontrolled fires
- Deterioration of the environment caused by excessive, off-road driving by thousands of tourist vehicles each year
- Increased searching for mates by rhinos due to their lower densities.
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