News

SANParks published a peer-reviewed scientific paper on 29 June 2015 in Public Library of Science ONE, a scientific journal with an impact factor of 3.53, on the Kruger rhino survey results of 2013.

Counting exactly how many rhinos are in the Kruger is difficult. The paper outlines the methodology used in determining a range of values for the rhino population within which the real population size would be, given that it is not feasible to count each and every animal within the Park. The 2013 survey gave an estimate of 8 400 to 9 600 white rhino in the Kruger National Park. The paper shows how SANParks use a sample-based survey technique that places 3×3 km blocks randomly across the Kruger landscape. An intensive search for rhinos in these blocks using helicopters allows SANParks to collect data and then use standardised statistical techniques to obtain the estimated size of a rhino population.

The robust scientific review processes that the formal science publishing environment requires, gives credibility to SANParks survey techniques that allow estimation of population sizes.

The paper on the 2013 survey also highlights important dynamics of rhino populations in Kruger National Park.

The density of rhinos as well as rainfall influences birth and death rates. Dry years are followed by increased death rates, while high densities of rhinos at a specific place may lead to low birth rates in that area. SANParks can use this information to offset poaching effects. For instance, removal of rhinos from areas where rhinos live in high densities can increase birth rates in those areas. This is particularly important given that the paper shows that average birth rates were the same as the average combination of natural and poaching death rates.

The robustness of SANParks survey techniques gives credibility to the survey results for 2014 which used the same approaches as described in the paper on the 2013 survey. The 2014 survey revealed that between 8000 and 9290 white rhinos were present in the Kruger National Park during 2014. The 2014 survey is also currently in the process of being written up and peer reviewed towards being published in a reputable scientific journal.

Issued By

SANParks Corporate Communications

Enquiries

Dr Sam Ferreira
Large Mammal Ecologist, Kruger National Park
Cell: 076 600 4152; Tel 013 735 4237

Paul Daphne
Head of Communications, SANParks
Cell:082 806 5409