 Reference Base  The habitat and feeding ecology of black rhinoceros (Dice... |
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Borges, J.N., 2024. The habitat and feeding ecology of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ph.D. Thesis presented to Manchester Metropolitan University, pp. 1-232
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| Location: |
Africa - Eastern Africa - Tanzania |
| Subject: |
Ecology |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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Habitat loss, due to destruction, fragmentation, or degradation, is the second major threat to black rhino populations after poaching. It negatively impacts food quality and availability and consequently, decreases the carrying capacity of an area. Studies on habitat preferences are vital to improve habitat quality and ensure appropriate conservation management and reintroductions. Browse availability affects black rhino distribution and unsuitable browse can prevent populations from reaching optimum numbers. In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), browse availability and quality remains uncertain posing challenges in determining the potential carrying capacity. It is hypothesized that the NCA’s rhino habitat has declined since the 1960s. Land cover changes in several habitats frequented by rhinos have rendered them unsuitable to sustain a growing population. Here, a map of the main vegetation types in the NCA for 2019 was developed and the land cover changes between 1985 and 2020 were identified. The results show a replacement of forest with bushland in the highlands surrounding the Crater. In the Serengeti plains there was a decrease in grassland cover and an increase in shrubland suggesting woody encroachment. Additionally, the area between the Olmoti and Ngorongoro Craters was identified as ideal rhino habitat for a future population as it contains preferred plant species that are unaffected by seasons and is not severely impacted by human factors. However, it is also important to note that monitoring through direct observation in such a dense habitat would be incredibly challenging. Ideally, the rhinos in this area would be fitted with trackers, so anti-poaching patrols could locate them easily with minimal disruption to the animals while ensuring the safety of the rangers. The area surrounding Oldupai Gorge remained mostly unsuitable and human presence would also raise security concerns. Contrastingly, the forage characteristics associated with rhino presence identified the area as a potential site for reintroductions. This apparent discrepancy underscores the importance of integrating remote sensing techniques with detailed fieldwork. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into identifying unoccupied habitat for black rhinos and highlight the need for enhanced conservation efforts to safeguard populations amidst changing environmental and anthropogenic pressures.
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