Today, the Black Rhinoceros is confined in small numbers to the Okavango Delta, the vicinity of the Kwando River (near the Caprivi).
So far no detailed survey has been carried out to assess the total Black Rhino population in Botswana and its present distribution. Smithers (1971) gives a figure of approximately 20 animals, based on visual sightings and spoors. However, it seems quite probable that an intensive survey would reveal a higher number, especially in the Okavango Delta and northwestern Botswana - areas which are very thinly populated and remote from any permanent human habitation.
Both rhinoceros species are fully protected in Botswana
Both rhinoceros species are fully protected in Botswana, the last Black Rhinos to be killed being shot by a poacher in 1936 in northwestern Botswana. Recently, a Black Rhinoceros was shot to the west of the Kwando River in the Caprivi, north of the Botswana frontier, and, as the species is absent from the eastern Caprivi (Rautenbach, 1971), it is believed that this animal had come from Botswana, although it could also have come from southeastern Angola where Black Rhinos are still recorded.
Today, the Black Rhinoceros is confined in small numbers to the Okavango Delta, the vicinity of the Kwando River (near the Caprivi), and in the northwestern parts of the Chobe National Park.
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.
In July 1967, four White Rhinos (2 males and 2 females) arrived at the Chobe National Park. They were donated by the Republic of South Africa and originated from the Zululand reserves in South Africa. They were kept in a paddock of approximately 18 acres (7.3 ha) in the Chobe National Park and on 29 November 1971, the first calf, a male, was born (Fig. 1).
Individual animals have been reported from north-eastern Botswana, adjacent to the Wankie National Park, and it is thought that they wandered across the border into Botswana.
Today, the Black Rhinoceros is confined in small numbers to the Okavango Delta.
Recently, a Black Rhinoceros was shot to the west of the Kwando River in the Caprivi, north of the Botswana frontier, and, as the species is absent from the eastern Caprivi (Rautenbach, 1971), it is believed that this animal had come from Botswana, although it could also have come from southeastern Angola where Black Rhinos are still recorded.
