Population estimation, foraging ecology and nutrition of the free ranging Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni, Groves 1965) in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia
The distribution and abundance of the Sumatran rhinoceros in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve (TWR) Core Area were studied from July 2004 to February 2005. Nine rhinoceros trials were followed in different locations and their browsed plants were collected along the trails for analysis. An estimated minimu...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2006
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/7134/1/mt0000000242.pdf |
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| Summary: | The distribution and abundance of the Sumatran rhinoceros in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve (TWR) Core Area were studied from July 2004 to February 2005. Nine rhinoceros trials were followed in different locations and their browsed plants were collected along the trails for analysis. An estimated minimum number of three rhinoceros are living in the study area (4Bsq km). This study has reconfirmed that individual rhinoceros to be differentiated based on statistical analysis of the median of the footprint measurements. A total of 65 species of plants from 33 families were collected and identified as the food plants of the rhinoceros in TWR. The majority of the plants were from the family of Euphorbiaceae (10), Annonaceae (7), Meliaceae (4), Dipterocarpaceae (4) and Rubiaceae (4). The findings of the food plants were compared with other studies and 24 species from 15 families matched. Samples of browsed plants were analysed for minerals (Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe, and Cu) and crude protein content. All the plant samples contained an average of 5.55±2.39 Ca % Dry Matter basis (DM), 2.22±1.11 K % DM, 0.10±.04 Na % DM, 0.30±0.10 Mg % DM, 20B.07 Fe mg/kg, 34.92±18.21 Cu mg/kg and crude protein 8.39±2.22 % DM. The minerals and protein were compared to a standard requirement of a horse and the values were found to have adequate amount to their needs. Results showed that the plants consumed were high in nutrition, adequate and sufficient to cater for the Sumatran rhinoceros dietary needs. |
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