19/06/2007
A female black rhino has given birth just weeks after being moved in what has been described as ‘the largest rhino translocation in East African history’. The mother was part of a group of thirty one rhino that were moved from Solio Rhino Sanctuary to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in northern Kenya.
The operation, backed by Fauna & Flora International, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, increases the number of black rhino in Ol Pejeta to 74 – the largest breeding population in East Africa of this Critically Endangered species.
Black rhinos suffered a catastrophic decline in the 20th century. Heavy poaching forced the population into freefall, which dropped from an estimated 100,000 animals in 1900 to an all-time low of 2,400 in 1993.
The species has only been able to begin a slow recovery under strict protection in reserves.
To avoid overstocking, ensure high breeding rates and improve genetic composition rhinos occasionally need to be moved to new reserves. The translocation, the largest ever attempted in East Africa, was conducted by two teams of handlers, a Kenya Wildlife Service vet and was led by Batian Craig, Ol Pejeta's Wildlife and Security Manager.
The birth of the calf is an indication that the animals were exposed to extremely low levels of stress during the move. The remaining thirty rhino are also in excellent health and have acclimatized to their new surroundings more quickly than anticipated.
“Historically most black rhino darting in Kenya has been undertaken from helicopters,” said Rob Brett, Director of Fauna & Flora International’s Africa programme. “Darting from the ground, with back-up from spotter planes, leads to a less stressed animal that is safer to handle and can be released more quickly after translocation.”
Rhino are often kept in holding pens or ‘bomas’ for a minimum of 10 days after translocation. Where animals show rapid signs of acclimatization this period can be waived. Because of their excellent condition the rhinos were released into the main area of the conservancy two months earlier than planned.
Batian Craig, who led the operation said: “The success has set the benchmark for future translocations. The lessons learnt on an operation of this size will go a long way to safer and less stressful operations.”
A further factor aiding the speed of the resettlement was the similarity in vegetation between Solio Rhino Sanctuary and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Situated in the centre of Kenya on the Laikipia plateau Ol Pejeta's 90,000 acres encompass a range of habitats and vegetation types on which black rhino feed.
Ol Pejeta was purchased by Fauna & Flora International through its land purchase mechanism - the Arcadia Fund, with the assistance of the Arcus Foundation. Ownership was then passed to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy that works to conserve wildlife such as black rhinos. The Conservancy also provides a sanctuary for great apes and to generate income through wildlife tourism for reinvestment in conservation and community development.
Each translocated rhino has been fitted with a radio transmitter implanted in one of its two horns, and will be carefully monitored. The translocation and post-release monitoring were supported by Fauna & Flora International, Inc. and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Contact us
To find out more about this news item, please contact:
Dave Beamont at david.beamont@fauna-flora.org or call +44 (0)1223 579332.
Sandra Hill at marketing@olpejetaconservancy.org or call +254 720 851937 or +62 32408.
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