Richter, W. von, 1973. Black and square-lipped rhinoceroses in Botswana. Biological Conservation 5 (1): 59-60, fig. 1
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - Botswana |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Records |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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The distribution of the Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) has shrunk drastically within historical times in Botswana. As indicated by the records of early travellers, hunters, and missionaries, the species was once widespread and probably only absent from the very dry central and southwestern Kalahari. Smithers (1971) summarizes those early accounts. The reduction in range and numbers can be attributed to the excessive hunting of the species in early times and to large-scale habitat changes, including the drying-up of permanent rivers and springs in most of Botswana (Campbell & Child, 1971). The widespread bush encroachment in northern Botswana would seem to be very favourable for the Black Rhinoceros; however, permanent surface-water is scarce and might limit any major population increase.
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Black and square-lipped rhinoceroses in Botswana
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