Wildlife Management Plan On The Africa White Rhino

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1 Wildlife Management Plan On The Africa White Rhino Students Name Students Number Course Studied Course Code Departments Name Professor’s Name Date

2 Wildlife Management Plan On The Africa White Rhino Background on Target Species There are currently five species of rhinoceros in Africa, and the African white rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum, is one of them. The Northern white rhino, which was officially declared extinct in 2011, and the African white rhino are the only two subspecies of white rhinos left in existence today. Because of climatic change and habitat damage, the African white rhinoceros is a species that is cline-limited (Ferreira et al.,2019). In addition to being designated as an endangered species in the United States, the species is currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the past, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Tanzania were all parts of Africa where the white rhino could be found. In Kenya, game reserves and private reserves, such as Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve, are the only places where one may currently find white rhinos. All rhinos are grazers, hence grasses make up the majority of the diet of the African White Rhino. The main meal that this rhino consumes is grass, though it will occasionally consume leaves as well. In order to meet its daily demands and prevent famine, the rhino relies on dense grasses for a steady source of high levels of energy (Ferreira et al.,2019). The white rhinoceros primarily eats the seeds of grasses. To ensure that it has adequate nutrients to continue feeding, the rhino uses seeds, water, minerals, and vitamins. Large populations of rhinos have long coexisted, and the white rhino normally reproduces between October and April. Males are noted to be louder than females during mating season so they can attract mates through sound and fragrance (Ferreira et al.,2019). An adult female gives birth to a single calf in late May or early June each year after the breeding season, with June and July being the prime breeding months. After about six months, when the calf can fend for itself, it is often weaned.

3 In its environment, the white rhino is under risk from a number of different things, but poaching is the biggest threat. Due to its impact on the population of white rhinos, poaching puts rhinos in danger. The fact that many, if not all, of these animals were killed by poachers also suggests that poachers have a direct impact on whether or not this species will survive (Scott et al., 2022). The reproductive rates and general balance of this species' habitat will decline if there is a population decline brought on by poaching. Habitat fragmentation represents a further danger. The existence of the species is directly harmed by fragmentation. These creatures reside in their habitats; if those habitats are fragmented, there will be less space for them to live and reproduce. This can result in a decrease in population if their residences aren't big enough for them. Drought is the most recent danger to this species. Due to their difficulty surviving in arid conditions and the fact that they cannot locate enough grass to eat, this species' population will decline. The majority of their habitat is dry and barren (Scott et al., 2022). Compared to poaching and fragmentation, drought is a minor hazard, even if it might cause a slight population loss. Goals & Objectives of the Management Plan The African White Rhino Management Plan's objective is to protect the species in the future and to keep a healthy population. The approach will emphasize habitat preservation, conservation, and reproduction in addition to the application of cutting-edge tools like stem cell banking. The strategy aims to lessen poaching and habitat degradation and raise public knowledge of the problems and solutions associated with conservation (Furstenburg et al.,2022). The development and implementation of extensive monitoring programs, habitat protection plans, breeding programs, genetic banking, and stem cell banking are the goals of this approach. The plan will also emphasize increasing regional cooperation in species protection and the

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4 development of sustainable land and wildlife resource use. We can assure the African white rhino's survival in the future by putting these tactics into practice. The objectives of this management plan are as follows: 1. To develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring program for rhinos, in cooperation with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This will include the use of radio collars and aerial surveys to track rhinos, as well as the use of camera traps to monitor their behaviors and movements. 2. To develop and implement a long-term habitat conservation plan, with a focus on protecting the grasslands and providing the necessary resources for the rhinos to thrive. 3. To create a breeding program for the white rhino, using captive breeding centers such as the Bovine Reproduction Center in the US and other facilities in Europe and elsewhere, in order to increase the population size. 4. To establish a genetic bank for the white rhino, in order to preserve the genetic material of the species. 5. To support sustainable land and wildlife resource use, and to promote awareness of conservation challenges and solutions. 6. To develop and implement a stem cell banking program, in order to preserve the genetic material of endangered species such as the white rhinoceros. 7. To develop and implement strategies to reduce poaching and habitat degradation. 8. To stimulate implementation of conservation efforts at the local level. These objectives will be implemented through a variety of strategies, such as the use of radio collars, camera traps, aerial surveys, captive breeding, genetic banking, and stem cell banking. The plan will also focus on the promotion of sustainable land and wildlife resource use,

5 and encouraging regional cooperation in the conservation of the species. The plan will also strive to reduce poaching and habitat destruction, and support the implementation of conservation efforts at the local level (Turner et al.,2022). By implementing these strategies, we can ensure the future survival of the African white rhino. Resource Inventory As a cline-limited species, the African White Rhino's population is constrained by habitat loss and climate change. An explanation of potential threats to the species and the location of habitats that are suited for the white rhino can both be found on a topographic map. An area's terrain and height can be seen on a topographic map, which is significant for rhino habitat. Given that it can be challenging to access these locations, animals are better protected in high elevation areas (Herrick, 2019). The map can also display current resources like food sources, water sources, and mineral deposits. The white rhino must have these resources to survive. The map can also highlight potential dangers like habitation and agricultural land, which might result in rhino habitat loss and resource degradation. The map can be used to locate probable migration routes, which are crucial for moving rhinos and creating secure breeding sites (Herrick, 2019). Conservationists can locate locations that are favorable for white rhinos and create plans to safeguard the animal and its environment with the aid of a topographic map. An essential instrument in the management of African white rhinos is the soil survey. Soil studies are used to evaluate potential habitat quality, estimate carrying capacity, and pinpoint regions that are best suited for rhino conservation and restoration (Di Minin, 2022). In order to create management strategies for the conservation of white rhinos, the survey can also provide details on the kinds and amounts of flora present as well as the soil composition of a particular location. The quality of the habitat may be impacted by areas that are vulnerable to erosion and

6 potentially hazardous runoff, which is another use for soil studies. Soil studies can be used to analyze the possible habitat's quality as well as its carrying capacity, which is crucial knowledge for evaluating the density of rhinos in a certain location (Herrick, 2019). The creation of management plans might also benefit from accurate mapping of the terrain and soils of a specific area. Managers can create strategies for the conservation of white rhinos and their habitats by employing the data from soil surveys. Water features on a property can be found using the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) map. Given that water features are a crucial part of white rhinos' habitat, this knowledge can be used to create a management strategy for them. Water features provide as both an important source of food and a source of drinking water for rhinos. Any water features that are present on a property can be identified using the NWI map, enabling for the creation of a water feature management plan (Ogwu et al., 2022). This would entail keeping an eye on water levels and making sure the water features aren't being misused or contaminated. In order to create management strategies to make sure that flooding does not affect rhinos, the NWI map can also be used to identify any places that may be vulnerable to floods. Managers can use the NWI map to make sure that the water features on their property are correctly managed and that the white rhinos have access to clean, safe water sources. The habitat needs of the white rhinos can be found in local or regional field guides. The species' preferred habitats, as well as the kinds of plants and other resources required, are all described in great depth in the field guides. The field guides can also provide details on rhino behavior and point out any locations where the animals are likely to gather (Ogwu et al., 2022). Using this data, management strategies that concentrate on giving white rhinos an environment that satisfies their needs can be created. Information on potential risks to the species, such

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7 poaching, can be found in the field guides. Managers can create plans to safeguard white rhinos from dangers like poaching by using the information supplied in the field guides. They can also make sure that their habitat is managed to fit the needs of the species. A crucial step in creating a management strategy for white rhinos is reviewing past management plans (Ogwu et al., 2022). Earlier management plans might offer crucial insight on the methods employed in the past to control the population. Reviewing these plans might assist in identifying any techniques that have worked well as well as any possible ineffectual ones. A review of prior management plans can also aid in identifying any potential risks that may be connected to the species and be utilized to create mitigation methods. Managers can ensure that the tactics being used are effective and that the white rhinos are being managed in a way that is advantageous to the species by evaluating past management plans. Management Compartments For the purposes of monitoring, conservation, and research, the African White Rhino's range can be broken down into various management units. The reserve where the White Rhinos are found would be the first unit (Miller et l., 2018). This reserve ought to be sizable enough to sustainably supply habitat and permit population increase. Another possibility is a game reserve where white rhinos can be seen in the wild, like the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The Bovine Reproduction Center (BRC) in the United States and other sites in Europe and Asia would make up the second management unit. This facility would be in charge of the rhino capture, relocation, and quarantine. The genetic bank would be the third component, where researchers could examine the genetic variances among groups and ascertain whether they would last. A program for monitoring the environment and the ecology would make up the fourth unit. This initiative would keep an eye on changes in the environment and the habitat, such as climate change and

8 habitat degradation, which could have an impact on the population of white rhinos. Additionally, this initiative would keep an eye on rhino health and assess how it affected their reproductive cycle (Nhleko et al., 2022). Through this approach, researchers can also get information about rhino behavior and their interactions with their surroundings. The conservation and sustainable use of the environment and its fauna can be achieved by segmenting the area into different management units. The map provided shows the location of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, where the White Rhino can be seen in the wild. The Conservancy is a 90,000-acre game reserve and provides a safe haven for many endangered species, such as the white rhino, black rhino, nyala, Sitatunga, sable antelope, and warthog( Miller et l., 2018). The Conservancy also houses lions, cheetahs, and giraffes, and has become a major tourist destination in Kenya. The Conservancy

9 works with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to ensure all rhinos are accounted for and monitored. The Conservancy is a great example of how the environment and wildlife can be managed and preserved, and provides a great example of how the white rhinos can be managed, monitored, and conserved. In order to guarantee that the target species (white rhinos) can survive and reproduce, the habitat quality for the target species in each management unit must be assessed. Wide-open grasslands, shrublands, and forests in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy offer the white rhinos a big habitat with enough of food and a secure place to relax and procreate. There are several cages at the Bovine Reproduction Center that permit the capture and confinement of rhinos, and there is also a genetic bank where researchers can examine genetic variances among populations (Miazga et al., 2022). Through the monitoring program, scientists may gather information on rhino behavior and learn how they interact with their surroundings to maintain a healthy and rhino- friendly environment. Each of these management areas offers the white rhinos a sufficient environment, guaranteeing that the population may endure and procreate. Management Practices In order to manage the African White Rhino population, I propose taking concrete steps to strengthen and expand the conservancy's population management strategy. Programs for monitoring and captive breeding are both included. In order to help the species' population grow, the first step is to expand the number of captive breeding operations. This applies to both zoos and exclusive game preserves like Ol Pejeta. Additionally, it is crucial to make sure that all rhinos are included in these programs and that they are regularly monitored. This will guarantee rhino poaching is prevented, and their health will be properly monitored (Chanyandura et al., 2021). In addition, I suggest developing a rhino genetic bank. This will aid in preventing

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10 inbreeding and ensuring that the gene pool of the species is diverse. The genetic vault will also aid in protecting the species' genes for potential use in the future. In addition, I suggest using stem cells to prevent the extinction of the species. In the event that any rhinos get sick and require fresh tissues for treatment, stem cells from the embryos can be taken at birth and kept for later use. This will make it more likely that the species can reproduce and endure despite being ill or injured. Additionally, I suggest using chemicals to control the population of African White Rhinos. To assist control the species' population size, this also includes the usage of contraceptives. In order to minimize the overpopulation of the species, contraceptives can be used to reduce the number of births in the wild. The usage of hormones can assist in controlling a species' reproductive cycle. This will ensure that the population size is appropriately regulated and that the species doesn't become inbred (Pennington et al., 2019). In addition, I suggest using medication to deal with any infections or wounds that rhinos might experience. This will make it easier to maintain the species' health and constant population number. Finally, I suggest using insecticides and herbicides to safeguard the African White Rhino's environment. This will assist to prevent pesticides and herbicides from destroying or contaminating the grasses and other plants that the rhino feeds on (Thomson, 2018). This will help to protect the species' food source and increase the likelihood that it will be able to live. Additionally, I suggest using biological methods to control the African White Rhino population. To assist ensure the survival of the species, this includes the use of genetic engineering. Both the fertility of the species and its gene pool can be increased with the use of this technique. Additionally, the species' overall health and resistance to disease can be improved with the aid of this technology. I also suggest using gene therapy to assist heal any illnesses or

11 wounds the species may experience. This will make it more likely that the species will be able to endure harm or disease and continue to exist and procreate. To assist manage the size of the species' population, I suggest using population control techniques. This can involve the use of birth control hormones to control the species' reproductive cycle as well as the use of contraception to reduce the number of newborns in the wild (Pennington et al., 2019). This will aid in ensuring that the population size is properly managed and that the species does not become inbred. Depending on the sort of actions implemented, the recommended management plan's expenditures will vary. The expenses of labor, supplies, and equipment will be included in the costs of physical acts like expanding the number of captive breeding programs, monitoring programs, and establishing a genetic bank. The expenses of research, manufacture, and distribution will also be included in the costs of carrying out chemical and biological actions, such as the usage of hormones, medicines, pesticides, and herbicides. In addition, it will be necessary to include in the costs related to maintaining the management plan, including the expenditures of observing and assessing the species' population and habitat. The African White Rhino management plan should be implemented as soon as possible. This is because every second matters since the species is in danger of going extinct. To secure the survival of the species, the physical, chemical, and biological measures should be put into practice right away. Additionally, the population management strategy should be put into practice as soon as feasible to guarantee that the species' population size is properly regulated (Pennington et al., 2019). In order to guarantee that the species' genes are conserved for future use and that it can be treated with new tissues should any rhinos get unwell and need to be

12 treated with new tissues, the genetic bank and stem cell preservation should be developed as soon as possible. The life cycle and reproduction cycle of the species should be taken into account while determining the management plan's time frame. This will ensure that the management plan is adapted to the species' demands and that it can support the species' ability to survive and procreate (Tichagwa et al.,2020). Also taken into account in the timeline should be how long it will take for any physical, chemical, or biological acts to have an impact. This will ensure that the management plan is implemented on schedule and that it can support the species' ability to endure and procreate. Alternatives Advantages Disadvantages Captive Breeding Programs • Can be used to increase the population of the African White Rhino. • Can be used to ensure genetic diversity within the species. • Can be used to create a genetic bank for research purposes. • Difficult to implement in the wild. • Requires a lot of infrastructure and resources. • Time consuming and expensive. Conservancy • Can provide a comprehensive monitoring program for rhinos. • Can reduce poaching and prevent habitat degradation. • Can be difficult to implement in areas with limited resources. • Can be expensive and time consuming. • Can be difficult to

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13 • Can promote awareness of conservation challenges and solutions. enforce in certain areas. Stem Cells • Can be used to save the Rhino from extinction. • Can be used to preserve the genetic material of endangered species. • Can be used to treat rhinos with new tissues if they become ill. • Difficult to implement in the wild. • Requires a lot of infrastructure and resources. • Time consuming and expensive. Habitat Preservation • Can be used to protect the habitat of the white rhino. • Can be used to ensure that the species has enough space to live and multiply. • Can be used to protect the species from environmental threats. • Can be difficult to implement in areas with limited resources. • Can be expensive and time consuming. • Can be difficult to enforce in certain areas. Food Supply • Can be used to provide the white rhino with a constant supply of high amounts of energy for their day-to-day needs. • Can be difficult to implement in areas with limited resources. • Can be expensive and time consuming.

14 • Can be used to ensure that the species has enough nutrients to continue its sustenance. • Can be used to prevent starvation. • Can be difficult to enforce in certain areas. Summary In conclusion, the African White Rhino is a species that is facing several threats, including poaching and habitat fragmentation. To ensure its survival, several management strategies have been put in place. These include captive breeding programs, stem cell preservation, and monitoring programs (Ramos, 2018). The use of stem cells has the potential to save the species from extinction, as does the use of conservancy programs to protect the rhinos from poachers. The fertility of the species is also a contributing factor to its survival, as its reproduction cycle is a single calf born 9-10 months after mating. To ensure the survival of this species, it is important to maintain its habitat, provide it with a consistent food source, and continue to monitor the species to reduce poaching. With proper management strategies in place, the African White Rhino may continue to thrive in the future. References Chanyandura, A., Muposhi, V. K., Gandiwa, E., & Muboko, N. (2021). An analysis of threats, strategies, and opportunities for African rhinoceros conservation. Ecology and Evolution , 11 (11), 5892-5910. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ece3.7536

15 Di Minin, E. (2022). How to reverse the rhino poaching crisis: a commentary on Nhleko et al. (2022). Ferreira, S. M., le Roex, N., & Greaver, C. (2019). Species-specific drought impacts on black and white rhinoceroses. PLoS One , 14 (1), e0209678. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0209678 Furstenburg, D., Otto, M., Van Niekerk, P., & Lewitton, D. (2022). Contribution of private game ranching and captive bred operations in South Africa to white rhino Ceratotherium simum species survival conservation. bioRxiv . https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.21.508862.abstract Herrick, J. R. (2019). Assisted reproductive technologies for endangered species conservation: developing sophisticated protocols with limited access to animals with unique reproductive mechanisms. Biology of Reproduction , 100 (5), 1158-1170. https://academic.oup.com/biolreprod/article-abstract/100/5/1158/5320888 Miazga, K., Joubert, J., Sinclair, M., & Cywińska, A. (2020). Releasing three orphaned white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) to the game reserve in South Africa. Rehabilitation, translocation and post-release observations. Animals , 10 (12), 2224. https://www.mdpi.com/904076 Miller, M. A., Buss, P., Parsons, S. D., Roos, E., Chileshe, J., Goosen, W. J., ... & van Helden, P. (2018). Conservation of white rhinoceroses threatened by bovine tuberculosis, South Africa, 2016–2017. Emerging infectious diseases , 24 (12), 2373-2375. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/61340

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16 Nhleko, Z. N., Shrader, A. M., Ferreira, S. M., & McCleery, R. A. (2022). White rhinos and other herbivores decrease visitations and increase vigilance in response to human vocalizations. Journal of Mammalogy. Ogwu, M. C., Izah, S. C., & Iyiola, A. O. (2022). An overview of the potentials, threats and conservation of biodiversity in Africa. Biodiversity in Africa: Potentials, Threats and Conservation , 3-20. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-19-3326-4_1 Pennington, P. M., & Durrant, B. S. (2019). Assisted reproductive technologies in captive rhinoceroses. Mammal review , 49 (1), 1-15. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mam.12138 Ramos, J. (2018). Is The Northern White Rhino About To Become Extinct: Can The Species Be Saved? Science Trends. https://doi.org/10.31988/scitrends.1403 Scott, S. E., Cain, B., de Kort, S. R., Johnson, B., Khayale, C., Versteege, L., & Bettridge, C. M. (2022). Group composition impacts reproductive output and population viability in captive white rhinoceros. Animal Conservation . https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acv.12833 Thomson, H. (2018). Hybrid white-rhino embryos were created in a last-ditch effort to stop extinction. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-05636-6 Tichagwa, T., Pegg, N., Ndagurwa, H. G., & Zhuwau, C. (2020). Factors influencing the diurnal behaviour of white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe. African Journal of Ecology, 58(4), 766-777 Turner, W. C., Périquet, S., Goelst, C. E., Vera, K. B., Cameron, E. Z., Alexander, K. A., ... & Kilian, J. W. (2022). Africa’s drylands in a changing world: Challenges for wildlife conservation under climate and land-use changes in the Greater Etosha

17 Landscape. Global Ecology and Conservation , e02221. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989422002232

Wildlife Management Plan On The Africa White Rhino

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