The status of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) on private land in South Africa in 2001.

Abstract

Considerably fewer black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) than white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum) are found on private land in South Africa. Primary reasons are that originally there were fewer black rhinos in the wild and that black rhinos have been available to private owners only since 1990. Further contributing factors include the high price of black rhinos and the stringent habitat and security requirements imposed by sellers, essentially state conservation agencies, who want to ensure that private owners establish minimum breeding populations. Consequently few private landowners had established black rhino populations on private land. But now a survey undertaken in 2001 has shown that 118 black rhinos are privately owned on 15 properties. This is an increase of 34% since 1999, 55% of which is accounted for by sales to the private sector from stateowned conservation agencies. D.b. minor make up 69% of the total; D.b. michaeli 19% and D.b. bicornis 11%. Natural growth within the population is 5.7% per annum. Almost two-thirds of the population are adult animals (63%) with females outnumbering males, while among subadults males slightly predominate. There is keen interest in some sections in sport hunting surplus bulls on private lands.