dc.description.abstract | We carried out a postrelease evaluation to determine predictors of habitat use and
carrying capacity for the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli), which are criti‐
cal for monitoring how the Ruma National Park sub‐population may contribute to
Kenya's meta‐population strategy. We determined whether level of elevation, rocki‐
ness, shade, distance to fence, roads, and human settlements predict habitat use,
differences in habitat and diet preference between female and male black rhinoc‐
eros, and the ecological carrying capacity (CC) of black rhinoceros in the park. We
used standard ecological methods to collect data on predictors of habitat use, habitat
preference and to estimate CC. Results show, first, that none of the environmental
and anthropogenic factors evaluated predicted habitat use by black rhinoceros in
the park. Second, although there was no significant difference in habitat preference
between the sexes (U = 16.50, p = 0.306), there was a 60% difference in Jaccard's
dissimilarity in diet selection between the sexes. Third, the park can support 65 black
rhinoceros. Altogether, the findings suggest that the park has potential to support
other sub‐populations in Kenya. We recommend that future similar studies should in‐
corporate population viability analysis and a community‐based approach to forecast
the species health and extinction risk. | en_US |