Factors affecting the recovery of the Masai Mara black rhino population

The black rhino population in Masai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) in Kenya is recovering after a major decline due to poaching. However, ecological changes in MMNR may affect the capacity for recovery. This study aimed to assess resource utilisation and the effects of woodland decline, cattle encroachment and tourism on habitat suitability in MMNR for black rhinos. Multivariate analysis and GIS technology were used to predict the growth and expansion of the population. Findings suggest that a long-term woodland decline has reduced the quality of food resources for black rhinos in MMNR, and that rhinos are dispersing to potentially more favourable, but unprotected, areas outside of MMNR. Equally, the presence of cattle inside MMNR has constrained rhino distribution and carrying capacity.
Strategies for maximising the recovery of the population were identified. These include; (1) collaborating with Tanzanian authorities on cross-border rhino monitoring so as to secure areas in northern Tanzania to which rhinos may be dispersing; (2) undertake foot patrols within MMNR to increase sighting rates; (3) collaborating with monitoring groups outside MMNR on the Kenyan side of the border, in areas where rhinos are known to reside, and may be dispersing from MMNR, and; (4) preventing cattle and other livestock from entering the Reserve.