Seasonal variation in forage availability and nutritional composition of the black rhino (diceros bicornis michaeli) diet in Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania
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Date
2023-08
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NM-AIST
Abstract
A study was conducted on rhino forage availability and diet to gather vital information for the
sustainable conservation of critically endangered black rhino populations. Specifically, the study
was set to establish the quantity and quality of natural forages browsed by rhinos in Mkomazi
National Park (MKONAPA) as affected by seasonality. This study was prompted by the observed
decline in body condition during dry periods, highlighting the need for a better understanding of
forage quantity and quality in the area. The current study aimed to investigate seasonal variations
in the black rhino diet at MKONAPA by comparing foraging, browsing intensity, forage
preference and nutritional composition of the most preferred forage between wet and dry seasons.
A simple-random sampling technique was deployed to select 58 square grids in the wet and dry
seasons (replication), and plots were laid for vegetation assessment and plant sample collection in
the Mkomazi rhino sanctuary (MRS). Browses foraged by rhinos were compared with rhino
feeding data from fourteen rhino-range areas within Africa savannah. Results showed that more
than 85% of species edible in MKONAPA were similar to those in rhino range areas. The diversity
of consumed browses was higher (t = 4.58, p<0.001) in wet season than in dry season. Forage
browsing intensity by rhinos correlated positively with forage preference and was significantly
high (w= 482, p<0.001) in dry season when browse availability was low. Forage nutrient
composition was within the average level reported in browses consumed by free-ranging rhinos
within Africa savannah, but the crude fat (3.07 ± 1.04%) and crude protein (9.33 ± 1.45%) were
marginally low in dry season, while zinc was low in both seasons. This study established seasonal
variation in dietary composition, browsing intensity and nutritional composition. This study
suggests establishing a monitoring program of preferred and highly nutritional forages for rhino
diet during the dry season, assessing the density of competitor browsers, supplementing rhinos
with lucerne diet during prolonged dry seasons and mineral (zinc) licks to improve rhino body
condition status and health in the sanctuary.
Sustainable Development Goals
A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management of the Nelson Mandela
African Institution of Science and Technology
Keywords
animal manure,