The effect of drought on the large mammal populations of the Zambezi riverine woodlands

Zambezi Valley - rhino density decreased by over 90% during the 1985-86 wet season as a result of poaching and capture.

The density on the floodplain during October averaged 0.05 (0.013) per km? in 1981-1985. This was equivalent to 2.43 (0.27) rhino seen per 100 km driven. Between Oct 1985 and Oct 1986, the mean number seen decreased to 0.14 (0.28) per 100 km. Only 7 rhino were observed along the ecotone: six before the end of July 1983 and the last during Oct 1986.