Population management of rhinoceros in captivity

Abstract

Captive‐breeding programmes are important components of conservation strategies for rhinoceros. Rhinoceros in zoos can serve as (1) genetic and demographic reservoirs to reinforce wild populations as the need and opportunity occur, and (2) ambassadors to increase public awareness and support, especially financial, for conservation of wild populations. However, for these functions, rhinoceros in captivity must be managed scientifically and co‐operatively to produce viable populations. Population‐management programmes for Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis, White rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum and Indian rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis are operating in various regions of the zoo world, especially North America [Species Survival Plans (SSP)] and Europe [European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP)]. Analyses indicate that rhinoceros populations in captivity are achieving variable levels of viability. In SSP and EEP populations Black rhinoceros and White rhinoceros are genetically but not demographically satisfactory, while Indian rhinoceros is healthy demographically but limited genetically. Improvement is needed and could be achieved through better management.

Low birth rates and reproductive skew limit the viability of Europe’s captive eastern black rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis michaeli

“…This is contrary to the SSP population of black rhinos, with a male biased birth sex ratio (Dennis et al 2007;Foose and Wiese 2006;Roth 2006), and poses an interesting management dilemma. Although a sex ratio that is skewed towards females can be beneficial for maximising population growth (Lenz et al 2007), by the end of this study there were only nine males housed at five institutions that had bred in the last five years, whereas 14 institutions held breeding-age females.…”

“…However, captive populations of eastern black rhinoceros have typically not been selfsustaining; with the growth rate of the North American population limited by high mortality, susceptibility to various health problems and inconsistent rates of reproduction (Foose and Wiese 2006). Although approximately 10 % of the global population of eastern black rhinoceros are held by European zoological institutions, the demographic sustainability and genetic health of this population has not been formally assessed.…”

Assisted Reproduction in Female Rhinoceros and Elephants – Current Status and Future Perspective

“…So far, none of the captive elephant and none but the Indian rhinoceros propagation programmes reached the level of being self‐sustaining (Olson and Wiese 2000; Wiese 2000; Wiese and Willis 2004; Foose and Wiese 2006). The consequence is that the zoo community is still dependent on imports from the range countries.…”

Early fetal sexing in the rhinoceros by detection of male‐specific genes in maternal serum

“…Such planning is especially important for populations with harem or herd social structures, which increase demand for females and challenges placing males. Both African white and Indian rhinoceroses are most successfully managed in multi‐female, single‐male herds in large spaces (Metrione & Eyres, ), yet captive rhinoceros populations have experienced skewed natal sex ratios (Dennis et al, ; Edwards et al, ; Foose & Wiese, ). Accurate determination of fetal gender could also be important for species like the Indian rhinoceros, in which stillbirths account for a high percentage (17.4%) of overall births, and 67% of these stillbirths are male (Kennedy, ).…”