Abstract
Translocations and reintroductions are key elements for the population management of the critically endangered black rhino (Diceros bicornis, Linnaeus, 1758). In this study, we investigated the postrelease behaviour and habitat preferences of a black rhino starter group (n = 4) on the individual level. The animals were reintroduced to a fenced game reserve (87 km2) in North-Central Namibia 1 year prior to our study. We used camera traps and very high frequency (VHF) radiotelemetry to examine the animals' temporal and spatial behaviour over a period of 4 months at transition between wet and dry seasons. Our results underline a peak in drinking activity and waterhole visits occurring between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. We found a shift in intensity in drinking activity during the period of the study. Satellite-based woody cover estimations only suggest positive correlations between the density of woody cover and favoured black rhino habitat types. Although the area seems suitable to facilitate breeding success of this starter group, it does not support a self-sustaining population. However, black rhinos were already successfully reintroduced to several additional fenced reserves in this region. The selective opening of fences in the future could help to enable genetic exchange between currently isolated groups of rhinos. Resume Translocations et reintroductions sont des elements cles de la gestion de la population du rhinoceros noir (Diceros bicornis), en danger critique d'extinction. Dans cette etude, nous avons etudie le comportement d'un groupe de depart de rhinos noirs (n = 4) apres leur lâcher et leurs preferences en matiere d'habitat au niveau individuel. Les animaux ont ete reintroduits dans une reserve de faune cloturee (87 km2) au centre-nord de la Namibie un an avant le debut de notre etude. Nous avons utilise des pieges photographiques et la radio-telemetrie VHF pour examiner le comportement des animaux dans le temps et dans l'espace, sur une periode de quatre mois a la transition entre saison des pluies et saison seche. Nos resultats mettent en evidence un pic de consommation d'eau et de visites au point d'eau entre 7 et 8 pm. Nous avons trouve un glissement de l'intensite de la consommation d'eau au cours de l'etude. Des estimations de la couverture ligneuse basees sur des images satellite suggerent seulement des correlations positives entre la densite de la couverture ligneuse et les types d'habitats preferes des rhinos. Bien que la region semble de nature a favoriser la reproduction de ce groupe de depart, elle ne satisfait pas les besoins d'une population autonome. Cependant, des rhinos noirs ont deja ete reintroduits avec succes dans plusieurs autres reserves de la region. L'ouverture selective des enclos pourrait a l'avenir aider a rendre possibles des echanges genetiques entre ces groupes de rhinos isoles jusqu'a present.
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