Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 12254826

One of the most severe declines in population numbers was recorded with the drop in Black rhino (Diceros bicornis) numbers since 1960. The drastic decrease was linked to the exponential increase in the rhino horn trade. As a consequence black rhinos are spread across Southern Africa in small reserves/sanctuaries with low genetic diversity in these small populations (Garnier et al, 2001; Emslie, 1999). The effective size of a population is the best predictor of its ability to maintain genetic diversity. The most widely applied approach advocates that an effective population size of 50 is necessary in order to preserve populations from short-term genetic risks, whereas 500 animals is the effective population size required to maintain long-term adaptability (Soulé, 1980). However, these numbers are controversial. For the black rhino, small populations need to be managed as single larger metapopulations, which may entail moving animals between subpopulations (Garnier et al, 2001). Metapopulation management could potentially assist in the conservation of isolated subpopulations through genetic and demographic augmentation. Majete Wildlife Reserve forms part of the Black Rhino Range Expansion Program (BRREP), which aims to aid the black rhino through cooperating with reserves in Africa. The BRREP’s goal is to increase population numbers as well as growth rate of the worlds black rhino population, currently listed as critically endangered (IUCN 2008). To manage a newly established rhino population efficiently its ecological requirements must be addressed. Initially most Black rhino initiatives focussed on enhanced security through the deployment of paramilitary squads and fencing of reserves/sanctuaries. Although these activities are important, initiatives aimed at describing preferred ecological and habitat requirements of black rhino have received less attention from financial donors and resource managers. More recently, feeding and population ecology have been recognised as key pillars in understanding the wider implications of black rhino conservation. This project will address these knowledge gaps, and will in so doing, contribute to the population recovery of this critically endangered species.

The Majete Wildlife Reserve (MWR)[70,000ha] is located in the Lower Shire Valley at the southernmost tip of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Poaching was rife in the 1980/90’s and by 2000 most species had been eliminated, or reduced to very low numbers, including elephant and rhinos. Illegal logging, community encroachment, unsustainable fishing and uncontrolled agriculture were also widespread. MWR had no tourism and had little or no positive economic impact on the livelihoods of the numerous communities living on its periphery. In March 2003, African Parks Majete (Pty) Ltd, concluded an agreement with the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife to take on responsibility for the rehabilitation, development and management of MWR. Paramount in the decision to rehabilitate MWR is the ecological significance of MWR as a remnant representation of the Eastern Miombo Ecoregion (an endangered, species-rich African tropical savanna ecosystem) and its local significance of habitat provision, ecosystem functions provided by the various woodland types and the Shire River. The potential for community enrichment through conservation also contributed to the rehabilitation decision. A total of 2554 animals of 14 species were re-introduced including black rhino.