1993•Journal of ZoologyRequires access

White rhinoceros range size in the south‐western Kruger National Park

Danie J. Pienaar, Jacobus du P. Bothma, G.K. Theron

Open publisher page 14 citations

Abstract

White rhinoceros range size was ascertained telemetrically in the south‐western Kruger National Park. The mean annual range size of territorial males was 9.86 km2 compared to 22.83 km2 for adult females. White rhinoceros females' summer wet season range was larger (21.44 km2) than the winter dry season range (11.64 km2). It is argued that abundant field‐water during the wet season enables animals to range further from permanent water supplies and to utilize larger foraging areas. White rhinoceros have core areas in their individual ranges that usually are situated along riverbanks in the preferred grazing regions. These core areas also include some favourite resting spots on high‐lying areas. White rhinoceros range sizes in the south‐western Kruger National Park were similar to those of other reserves with comparable white rhinoceros densities. In the Umfolozi Game Reserve, which has a higher white rhinoceros density than the Kruger National Park, the individual ranges are much smaller.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

White rhinoceros range size was ascertained telemetrically in the south‐western Kruger National Park. The mean annual range size of territorial males was 9.86 km2 compared to 22.83 km2 for adult females. White rhinoceros females' summer wet season range was larger (21.44 km2) than the winter dry season range (11.64 km2). It is argued that abundant field‐water during the wet season enables animals to range further from permanent water supplies and to utilize larger foraging areas. White rhinoceros have core areas in their individual ranges that usually are situated along riverbanks in the preferred grazing regions. These core areas also include some favourite resting spots on high‐lying areas. White rhinoceros range sizes in the south‐western Kruger National Park were similar to those of other reserves with comparable white rhinoceros densities. In the Umfolozi Game Reserve, which has a higher white rhinoceros density than the Kruger National Park, the individual ranges are much smaller.

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 14 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

White rhinoceros range size was ascertained telemetrically in the south‐western Kruger National Park. The mean annual range size of territorial males was 9.86 km2 compared to 22.83 km2 for adult females. White rhinoceros females' summer wet season range was larger (21.44 km2) than the winter dry season range (11.64 km2). It is argued that abundant field‐water during the wet season enables animals to range further from permanent water supplies and to utilize larger foraging areas. White rhinoceros have core areas in their individual ranges that usually are situated along riverbanks in the preferred grazing regions. These core areas also include some favourite resting spots on high‐lying areas. White rhinoceros range sizes in the south‐western Kruger National Park were similar to those of other reserves with comparable white rhinoceros densities. In the Umfolozi Game Reserve, which has a higher white rhinoceros density than the Kruger National Park, the individual ranges are much smaller.

Key concepts: Rhinoceros, National park, Foraging, Range (aeronautics), White (mutation), Dry season, Wet season, Home range

Related papers

Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
White rhinoceros range size in the south‐western Kruger National Park — Research Paper | ScholarLens