Spatial constraints and seasonal conditions but not poaching pressure are linked with elevated faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in white rhino
Zoliswa N. Nhleko
A B * , Andre Ganswindt C , Sam M. Ferreira B and Robert A. McCleery D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Interdisciplinary Program in Ecology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
B Savanna Node, Scientific Services, SANParks, Skukuza 1350, South Africa.
C Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.
D Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Wildlife Research 50(4) 292-300 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR22020
Submitted: 10 April 2021 Accepted: 2 October 2022 Published: 11 November 2022
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
Context: Due to considerable declines in African wildlife populations, most large African mammals are managed inside protected areas. Protected areas come in various sizes, and have different environmental features, climates and management strategies (i.e. ‘hands-on’ or ‘hands-off’) that can influence an animals’ homeostasis. White rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum) are found almost exclusively within protected areas where population sizes are driven by natural factors and poaching pressures.
Aims: Our aim was to understand the effect of natural and anthropogenic factors on the adrenocortical response of white rhinos within three protected areas. Specifically, we wanted to understand how poaching pressure, protected area size (<500 km2), season (wet and dry) and rainfall patterns were responsible for driving adrenocortical activity in white rhino.
Methods: To understand the relationship between rhino adrenocortical responses and different environmental and anthropogenic stressors, we quantified glucocorticoid metabolites in faecal samples (fGCM) collected from four populations within three protected areas (i.e. two small parks, one big park) during the wet and dry seasons.
Key results: We found differences in seasonal fGCM concentrations, with a 42% increase during the dry season, and no differences in fGCM concentrations between the high and low poaching areas. Additionally, we found fGCM concentrations in samples from the small parks were respectively 38% and 42% higher than in samples from the large park during both the dry and wet seasons compared.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that white rhinos may experience physiological stress in smaller parks, especially during the dry season when resources are limited.
Implications: By mitigating stress associated with reduced access to resources and spatial constraints, managers may better promote the viability of large mammals in small protected areas.
Keywords: climate, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites, human activity, protected areas, poaching, season, stress, white rhino.
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