beside old bull Diceros bicornis `Matilda', 2 others died from natural causes. One in Dec 1951, an old cow with heifer calf known to be 17 months old, which latter for some time pugnaciously guarded the carcase. The other was a one week old heifer calf that died on 20 Aug 1951. This one died due to cold weather spell.
During Sep 1950 a count of White Rhino was published as being 554 - including 97 calves under 2 ? years old. This count was effected from the ground at the end of 1948, and the Board hopes to carry out a check count in the near future, probably from the air. Two Ceratotherium simum for some accountable reason travelled purposely as far west as the Mahlabatini-Melmoth main road and were without difficulty returned over some 25 miles to the reserve by the Ranger.
Three Ceratotherium simum died 1951-1952 from natural causes and a bull approx. 3 years of age had sustained a broken leg and shoulder whilst fighting in January had to be destroyed.
For purposes of record it may be noted that during September a black rhino was seen to eat a quantity of Euclea lanceolata.
For purposes of record it may be noted that during September a black rhino was seen to eat a quantity of Euclea lanceolata.
Three Ceratotherium simum died 1951-1952 from natural causes and a bull approx. 3 years of age had sustained a broken leg and shoulder whilst fighting in January had to be destroyed.
Two rhino ate a little haulm of both groundnuts and sweet potatoes, unusual food for the species.
Two rhino ate a little haulm of both groundnuts and sweet potatoes, unusual food for the species.
During May 1951 a black rhino cow and half-grown calf had to be driven back from a point some 4 miles down the road. Investigation revealed the astonishing fact that far from being afraid of the vehicle grid crossing at the Reserve fence, these animals had found they could cross it by gingerly stepping on the narrow cement support at the side of the rails. To do this the animals had literally to squeeze their way along with one side of their body leaning heavily on the adjacent wall, and that a calf had been persuaded to emulate its mother's feat, or vice versa, was indeed remarkable. The practice was obviated by redesigning the grid support and no further attempts to cross have been made.
Beside old bull Diceros bicornis 'Matilda', 2 others died from natural causes. One in Dec 1951, an old cow with heifer calf known to be 17 months old, which latter for some time pugnaciously guarded the carcase.
One Ceratotherium simum was known to have been born during last week of August.
Mating of black rhino was noted on 13 May, 8 September and 6 December.
