Jachman, H., 1984. Status of the Mwabvi rhino (Diceros bicornis). Nyala 10 (2): 77-90, figs. 1-8, table 1
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - Malawi |
| Subject: |
Ecology - Census Methods |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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Malawi, census by using footprints. By comparing the means of the different sets of footprint measurements, in combination with differences in f, the minimum number of rhino was estimated to be 5. Rhinos 1 and 2 spent a considerable amount of time in the area around Mwabvi camp, which was sampled at a far higher intensity than the rest of the Reserve. Of rhino 4, several prints of only the fore-feet were found, while it was not certain if the footprints of rhino 5 represent a fore-and hind-foot of one rhino or the hind-foot of rhino 1 (18.20 cm) and a fore- and hind-foot of rhino 5. Because of their weight, footprints of young rhino are not as clear or frequently discovered as those of the older heavier rhino, while in addition areas of the Reserve are not suitable for this exercise because of the structure of the soil or large rock formations. Therefore it is most likely that using this method, a few young rhino were missed.
Table 1. Fore-foot and hind-foot diameters and differences between fore- and hind-feet ( f) for five rhino. Standard errors are indicated after mean values.
diameter (cm) f
Rhino fore-foot hind-foot
1 20.40 ? 0.63 18.52 ? 0.32 1.88
2 22.14 ? 0.61 19.47 ? 0.52 2.67
3 24.06 ? 0.41 21.20 ? 0.38 2.86
4 25.50 ? 0.58 - -
5 18.20? 16.50? 1.70 ?
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Status of the Mwabvi rhino (Diceros bicornis)
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