Feeding trials on captive black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis minor in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (original) (raw)

African Journal of Wildlife Research

Abstract

Three black rhinoceroses were translocated from Natal to the Eastern Cape. Food acceptability trials were undertaken because many plants eaten by black rhinoceroses in Natal do not occur in the Eastern Cape. Such information is valuable to ensure that translocated rhinoceroses are kept healthy prior to release which may help decrease post-release mortalities. Twelve tree and shrub species were used in the trial - mean mass (wet) of ingested food was about 38 kg / day / rhinoceros. Most woody plants were eaten but not succulents. Animals were in good health when released. It is suggested that, while in bomas, black rhinoceroses be given at least 40-45 kg / day of food comprising a wide range of indigenous plants. Drie swart renosters vanuit Natal is in die Oos-Kaap hervestig. Voedselvoorkeurproewe is onderneem weens die feit dat baie plante wat deur swart renosters in Natal gevreet word, nie in die Oos-Kaap voorkom nie. Sulke inligting is waardevol om te verseker dat die verplaasde renosters gesond bly tydens aanhouding en om mortaliteite na vrylating te help verminder. Twaalf boom- en struikspesies is in die proef ingesluit en die gemiddelde massa van voedselinname was ongeveer 38 kg / dag / renoster. Houterige plante is gevreet terwyl vetplante nie gevreet is nie. Die renosters is in goeie gesondheid vrygelaat. Daar word voorgestel dat swart renosters ten minste 40-45 kg / dag gevoer word bestaande uit 'n bree spektrum inheemse plante terwyl hulle in aanhouding is.

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