Habitat utilization of white rhinoceros (ceratotherium simum simum) on willem pretorius game reserve, free-State Province, South Africa

Abstract

The grassland biome of the Free-State Province of South Africa meets all the suggested habitat requirements for the white rhino, but in contrast to wanner savannah areas experiences extremely cold winters. The aim of this study was to investigate the habitat utilization of white rhinos in the Free-State area. Five major plant community types were identified and data on movement and habitat utilization of white rhinos were collected over one year. Adult cows (n = 5) had a mean range size of 3.78 km2 (SE ± 0.37) during the wet and 4.08 km2 (SE ± 0.570) during the dry season, but no significant differences between the two seasons were found. The adult bull had a range size of 8.13 km2 during the wet and 6.37 km2 during the dry season. Based on availability, the expected utilization of each habitat type differed significantly from the observed usage during both the wet (i.e.χ2 = 2,236.6: 6 df; p = 0.05) and dry season (χ2 = 4.721.3; 6 df; p = 0.05). Wetland. Damkom, Savannah, and Grassveld habitats were used significantly less than expected, but the Thomveld and the Trees and Shrub habitats were used significantly more than expected, during both seasons. The River habitat was preferred during the wet but not the dry season. White rhinos were recorded to feed on 33 plant species in varying proportions. The results of this study suggest that in areas that experience hot or cold environments, some form of cover for white rhinos is important.