Out of scale out of place: Black rhino forage preference across the hierarchical organization of the savanna ecosystem. Issue 5 (6th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duthé, Vanessa; Defossez, Emmanuel; van der Westhuizen, Rickert; Glauser, Gaëtan; Rasmann, Sergio
• Is Part Of: Conservation science and practice. Volume 2:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-03-06
• Subjects: Diceros bicornis -- endangered species -- foraging selectivity -- habitat productivity -- megaherbivore -- metabolomics -- plant quality -- translocation; Biodiversity conservation -- Periodicals; Biodiversity conservation; Periodicals; 333.951605
• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.191
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2578-4854

Abstract

Abstract: The successful conservation plans of megaherbivores necessitate precisely characterizing their ecological needs in order to optimize reproduction rates and reintroduction plans. The black rhino ( Diceros bicornis L.) is among the most endangered species of megaherbivores in Africa and its conservation relies on nature reserves that are bound and habitat‐restricted. Therefore, identifying the optimal amount of space this species needs and the factors driving its habitat use are crucial for establishing reserve priority plans. Knowing that forage selection is an important component linked to herbivore spatial distribution, we combined 5 years of sightings data with observations of rhinos' vegetation type and forage preferences to address their forage selection across multiple spatial scales. We found that black rhinos' spatial distribution was negatively associated with ecosystem productivity, but positively associated with specific vegetation types that contain highly preferred, chemically distinct, plant species. Black rhinos thus occupy their habitat across space and time through selective foraging on preferred plants.