Unforeseen consequences of conservation management practices: case study on herding rhino as an anti‐poaching measure. (7th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fàbregas, María C.; Fosgate, Geoffrey T.; Ganswindt, André; Bertschinger, Henk; Meyer, Leith C. R.
• Is Part Of: Animal conservation. Volume 24:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 412
• Page End: 423
• Publication Date: 2020-10-07
• Subjects: management practices -- human habituation -- animal welfare -- fecal glucocorticoid metabolites -- behavior -- white rhino -- anti‐poaching measures -- herding; Conservation biology -- Periodicals; Wildlife conservation -- Periodicals; Conservation de la biodiversité; Conservation de la faune; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 333.95416
• DOI: 10.1111/acv.12646
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-9430

Abstract

Abstract: The current biodiversity crisis calls for effective conservation measures. However, some measures may have unforeseen negative consequences on individual species. Herding, a management practice currently used in some wildlife species to protect animals from poachers, can cause habituation to humans, which unintentionally might increase their risk of being poached at a later time. Herding could also negatively impact animal welfare and physiology when perceived as a stressor, with potential negative consequences at the individual and population level. In this study, we tested the following hypotheses: 1) herding elicits habituation to humans in white rhino, and 2) this practice affects the behavior and physiological state of rhino, but they can habituate to it. To that aim, we investigated the effects of herding on the response of rhino to initially unfamiliar people, expression of aggressive and discomfort behaviors, and fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations (a commonly used indicator of physiological stress) in two cohorts of six and 10 semi‐wild orphan white rhino. Rhino did not interrupt their activity to an approaching person on foot (99%) or in a vehicle (94%), indicating habituation to humans. Aggressive and discomfort behaviors were displayed more often while being herded, and their frequency increased significantly with increasing herding pressure. Finally, overall mean fGCM concentrations were 16.1% higher under herding compared to non‐herding conditions, but individual fGCM levels varied up to 17‐fold under each scenario, suggesting that herding might not elicit a physiological stress response in these animals. While rhino security is paramount in the current poaching crisis, management practices must ensure that they do not impact negatively at the individual and population level. Abstract : Species under high risk of poaching, such as rhinos and elephants, are sometimes herded for their protection. We investigated the effect of herding on the behavior, fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations (a commonly used indicator of physiological stress) and habituation to humans in 16 semi‐wild orphaned rhinos. Our results indicate that herding negatively impacts rhino welfare, and keeps rhino habituated to humans, potentially jeopardizing their survival during transition to a less intensive protection system. While rhino security is paramount, herding might hinder rather than promote the conservation of the species.