The number of black rhinoceros remaining in Kenya is estimated to be in the region of 400. Much money and effort is being spent on measures to protect and manage the few viable black rhinoceros populations remaining in Kenya within special sanctuaries or reserves where their interests are paramount. The need for sanctuaries was spelt out clearly over two decades ago (Ritchie 1963); the Kenya black rhinoceros population has dropped by c. 98% since then. The remnant black rhinoceros populations in Kenya are small and fragmented, and successful management and breeding in the long term will require the ability easily to assess their reproductive status.
Ol Ari Nyiro Ranch. Data and samples were gathered from known individuals among an indigenous population of 47 black rhinoceros resident on Ol Ari Nyiro ranch, Laikipia, Kenya. This is an unfenced cattle and sheep range of c. 400 km? of lower highland bush country at an altitude of 1600-2000 m. The rhinoceros population, which occupies approximately one third of the ranch area, is protected by a private anti-poaching force, and is at medium density (Goddard 1967, 1970: c. 1 rhinoceros per 4 km?).
Kenya. Table 1. Comparison of home range size and hind footprint width in male black rhinoceros. Rhinoceros Hind foot Home range I.D. width (cm) size (km') L 21.75 54 Z 21.5 31 U 21.0 31 X 20.5 25 M2 20.5 17 D 19.75 15 End
