Phinda Black Rhino Project

Part of the contract of having the animals released onto Phinda was that they would be actively followed up on by a dedicated team to ensure that the reintroduction was successful and that no problems were encountered. As a result The San Diego Zoological Society in conjunction with the University of Port Elizabeth took the opportunity to donate radio transmitter to be inserted into the horns of the animals, this would make following up and locating the animals a lot easier. Phinda monitors would give vital information back to the sponsors who where researching the post release activities and localities of the relocated black rhino. At the same time Simon Morgan who is part of Phinda’s team involved in following the black rhino took the opportunity to do his Masters on the animals under surveillance. Which involves an in depth study on habitat suitability for black rhino, as well as habitat selection and browse selection of black rhino. Both projects have been successful and productive due to the copious amount of vital and interesting information that has been a result of the release of the animals on Phinda which we are proud to have been apart of. - John Pickstone

Posted: Mammals by Wildwatch Editor, Date: 5 June 2007