 Reference Base  Preliminary analyses of the free-release and scent-broadc... |
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Linklater, W.L.; Flamand, J.; Rochat, Q.; Zekela, N.; MacDonald, E.; Swaisgood, R.; Airton, D.; Kelly, C.P.; Bond, K.; Schmidt, I.; Morgan, S., 2006. Preliminary analyses of the free-release and scent-broadcasting strategies for black rhinoceros reintroduction. CCA Ecological Journal 7: 26-34, figs. 1-5, table 1
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - South Africa |
| Subject: |
Translocation |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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Translocation has been key to Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) meta-population recovery. However, translocation can in some instances result in poor post-release survival and reproduction. The post-release behaviour of rhinoceros is little studied but might provide insights with utility for improving translocation success. We examined the infl uence of sex, age (young- or full-adult), time and physiological state in captivity, and the drugs regime administered for transport and release on the fi rst 6 days of post-release movements by 15 black rhino (D. b. minor) translocated to Mun-ya-Wana Game Reserve (GR). We also conducted an experimental trial on the effect of scent broadcasting on their post-release behaviour. Rhino were captured at Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife reserves, held in individual iMfolozi GR enclosures (bomas) for from 31 to 61 days, fi tted with horn-implant radio transmitters, and released near-simultaneously over 3 days at different individual locations spaced throughout Mun-ya-Wana GR. This release strategy appeared to have benefi ts compared with translocation techniques that instead release rhinoceros from boma at the same site but separately over many days. Before release the dung and urine soaked substrate from the boma of 7 rhinos (treatment group) was collected and spread within 2km of their future release site. The control group, comprising 8 rhinos, did not have scent broadcast about their release site. We hypothesised that the presence of a rhino’s scent would reduce its post-release movement and that they would settle around or near their own scent. Contrary to our hypothesis, individuals in the treatment group moved signifi cantly farther than those from the control group. Although we attempted to hold all factors constant between the two groups, retrospective hormone analyses showed that the control rhinos had higher levels of reproductive hormones; faecal androgens for males and progestins for females. Despite this potential confound, we discuss the possible meaning of these results towards understanding black rhino behavioural ecology and improving translocation strategies.
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