Doctoring rhinos: diseases seen in Kenya

Abstract

The current number of black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) in Kenya stands at about 500, and some 50 white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) are on private ranches. Most of the black rhinos are fragmented over a wide range reducing opportunities for breeding and genetic interchange and hence accelerating the rate of extinction. Conditions have been worsened by breeding depression caused by environmental changes and demographic fluctuations such as biased sex ratios and genetic problems. Disease can also be considered as having an effect on the rhino population in Kenya and these remarks are based on animals seen during the major rhino translocations carried out in Kenya between 1986 and 1988.