A Mathematical Model of White Rhino Translocation Strategy

Abstract

Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) is a species of rhino that is categorized as near threatened in the world. Most population of white rhino can be found in South Africa. According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a strategy is needed to conserve and increase the white rhino population. Hence, a mathematical model of the white rhino translocation strategy will be introduced. The model is constructed by dividing the white rhino population into four subpopulations based on their habitat and maturity. From the mathematical analysis, we obtain three types of equilibrium points. Furthermore, we investigate the existence and local stability criteria of these equilibrium points analytically and numerically. It is shown that, when translocation rate implemented in a proper way, translocation can accelerate the growth rate of the white rhino population both in the source or translocation habitat.