OPTIMAL TRANSLOCATION STRATEGIES FOR SAVING THE BLACK RHINO

Over the past 30 years the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) populations in Africa have dwindled dramatically. To enhance the survival prospects of the species, a national conservation strategy has been developed in South Africa. Its main goal is to formulate and implement policies to increase the southern African rhino population as rapidly as possible. This involves translocating animals from areas where the population is approaching the ecological carrying capacity and establishing new viable populations in other suitable reserves. A non-linear differential equation model for a population of black rhino was developed. The model is used with a combination of analytical and numerical techniques to investigate a number of issues relating to the translocation of rhino from well-stocked, high-density areas to low-density areas with small herds or no herds. Firstly, the model is used to determine the maximum sustainable yield from the well-stocked reserves. The model is then applied to a newly established population to determine optimal import policies. Finally, the model is extended to include both an established exporting population and a new understocked importing population. Simulations are performed to give an indication of the number and age of animals which should be translocated to maximise the growth rate of the total rhino population in southern Africa.