Title
Genetic and demographic threats to the black rhinoceros population in the Ngorongoro Crater
Author(s)
Moehlman P.D.
Published
1996
Publisher
Conservation Biology
Abstract
A resident population of 13 black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) persist in Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. The effective population size (N(e)) may be as few as 5 animals. Projected growth for this population suggests that the effective population size will remain small for the near future, threatening this local population with extinction due to the stochastic factors associated with small populaton size. A summary of historic and recent demographic data for this population reveals a population crash during the period of heavy poaching that affected this species throughout its range. Although poaching of this species has been brought under control, the population remains small. These data and models of projected populations growth argue for consideration of more-intensive management within the framework of the small population paradigm. This case is an example of applied conservation resulting from this paradigm used in conjunction with rather than competing with the declining population paradigm. We identify additional monitoring, particularly of density-dependent behaviors, that will necessary for designing a succesful management program. Finally, the use of molecular markers for developing an accurate pedigree for this population is suggested in order to maintain a genetically healthy population. These strategies have broad applicability to black rhinoceros conservation throughout Africa.
Keywords
Animalia; Diceros bicornis; Rhinoceros; black rhinoceros; extinction risk; Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater; CONSERVATION; MANAGEMENT; EVOLUTION; HABITAT; MODEL
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PUB12977