Behavioural-ecology of the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve
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Authors
Jordaan, Hermanus Lukas
Issue Date
2010-06
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Willem Pretorius Game Reserve (WPGR) , White Rhinos , Braun-Blanquet , TWINSPAN , Ecological Carrying Capacity , Feeding Ecology , Vegetation Classification , Habitat utilization , White Rhino behaviour , Total home range
Alternative Title
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to classify and describe the plant communities in the home range of
white rhinoceros in order to understand the animal seasonal foraging ecology. To provide a detailed
habitat description, forty sample plots were stratified randomly. A TWINSPAN classification,
refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, was carried out on the Viewpoint section of the reserve. Ten
plant communities, grouped into five major community types, were identified. The veld condition
and ecological carrying capacity in these communities were measured, stating an abundance of food
on long grass while the short grass equal the number of short grass feeders. A number of behavioural
aspects such as activity data, home range utilization and dietary usage were examined. Statistical
methods such as the Spearman rank-order correlation, Wilcoxon sign test and Student T-test were
used on rhino data. The difference in usage of the home range during wet and dry seasons was
insignificant.
Description
Citation
Jordaan, Hermanus Lukas (2010) Behavioral-ecology of the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3593>