Population Status, Ranging Patterns and Feeding Strategies of the Black Rhinoceros (Diceros Bicornis, Linn. 1758) in Nairobi National Park, Kenya

Abstract

In this study of Nairobi National Park;30 black rhinoceroses were observed (14 males, 9 females and 7 calves). The adult sex ratio was 1.6:1 males to females, which was fotmd to be significantly different from the expected unit ratio of adult animals. The home ranges were fotmd to be relatively small with very high percentage overlap, as high as 100% in some cases. A total of S2 plant species 'Were identified in the rhinoceros dung during the two seasons. The frequency of occurrence in the dung varied from season to season. The dry weights of the plants potentially eaten by the rhinoceros and the available biomass depended on the physiognomic structure of the plant species. Disturbance by man affected the distribut i_onof the black rhinoceros in the study area. A total density of 480.9 Kg 1 L -I ha - available biomass was found in the plains and 592. 3 kg ha-1 in the forest.