Botswana Rhino Ecology Project

The primary aim of this project is to study the wet and dry season range and feeding preferences of reintroduced black and white rhino in the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. The reintroduction of rhino into any unfenced ecosystem is a complex undertaking and though translocation has been a key component of successful rhino conservation in Africa, the management of these new populations poses a challenge to wildlife managers.

Background
During the 20th century, both black and white rhino subspecies became extinct in Botswana, due to poaching. In 2001, Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), with the help of Wilderness Safaris and the Trust, successfully reintroduced a number of black and white rhino into the Moremi Game Reserve. Before bringing them into the reserve, the area was assessed and considered suitable habitat for both black and white rhino. However, interestingly, both species have been moving off to occupy other habitats.

The Project Details
The primary objective of the project therefore is to identify key factors influencing the movement of reintroduced black and white rhino out of the habitat into which they were introduced. The identified factors will be used to draw recommendations relating to appropriate habitat into which rhino can in the future be released.

A hypothesis is that foraging and distribution patterns of both rhino species are affected both by a number of abiotic factors, such as slope and distance to water etc., as well as by a number of biotic factors such as predation, territoriality (behavioural relations with other species) and possibly poaching pressure.

The objectives will be met by:
1. Determining home ranges, movement patterns and distribution and comparing these between habitat types, sexes and seasons. 2. Sampling vegetation to establish food availability and plant species preferences.
3. Determining the response of rhinos to other species by means of observations.

The research will be conducted on Chief's Island within the northern part of Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, making use of tracking GPS data recorded by Anti Poaching Unit (APU) officers during regular monitoring patrols. In addition, animals will be tracked by spoor, identified by means of their ear markings and digital photographs will be taken of the individuals to assist with identification.

Vegetation will be sampled to establish food availability and plant species preferences by the rhinoceros. This will be done whenever an individual has been sighted or its spoor has been positively identified. Vegetation type, soil type and the presence of /distance to the nearest water body will be determined.

The rhino will be observed when they come into contact with other species and their response will be recorded, including whether the animal flees, fights, or ignores the presence of the other species. Finally, data from the Anti-Poaching Units on rhino mortality will be analysed versus habitat type and the presence of humans.

The results of the project hopefully will lead to a better understanding with regards to reintroductions in a free-ranging system, and provide a better understanding of the ecology of the two species. The project will improve and contribute to the paucity of literature on this specific subject, as well as increase the success of the reintroduction programme going forward, which in turn should enhance the marketability and sustainability of ecotourism in the area.