Abstract:
Knowledge of the reproductive biology of wild animals can provide valuable information for
the development of appropriate in situ and ex situ management plans. The present study aimed
to establish a non-invasive protocol for monitoring faecal progestagen metabolite (FPM)
patterns in wild female southern white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum). Six adult
females at Lapalala Wilderness, South Africa, were tracked and accurately identified at least
once every week. Three animals gave birth during the study period. Fresh faecal samples were
collected for 12 months and stored frozen at –20°C until analysis with an enzyme immunoassay
utilizing an antiserum raised against 5 -pregnan-3 -ol-20-one which cross-reacts with a number
of progestagens. Mean FPM concentrations were 35 to 64-fold higher during pregnancy
(55–145 days before parturition) compared to postpartum (120–140 days after parturition)
(P < 0.001). Also, the non-pregnant animals had mean FPM concentrations significantly
higher than postpartum values (P = 0.006). Our results show that non-invasive FPM measurements
provide information on the pregnancy status of wild female white rhinoceroses, and
may be used for the detection of pregnancy in free-living individuals, without the necessity of
immobilization and/or relocation of the animal. This information has potential value for
optimizing breeding management of wild and captive populations.
Description:
We wish to thank the Institute for Breeding Rare
and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM) for
making this research possible.We are indebted to
the following students from the faculty of Veterinary
Medicine at Utrecht University for their
contribution in collecting faecal samples: Yvette
Charbon, Belinda Bitter, Meike Meijers and Julie
Swinkels. We are especially thankful to Thomas
Litshani, whose exceptional rhinoceros knowledge
and tracking skills greatly contributed to the
number of samples collected.We are most grateful
to the management of the Lapalala Wilderness
reserve: Duncan Parker, Mike Gregor, Anton
Walker, Roger Collinson and Anthony and Erin
Roberts for permission to conduct research in the
reserve as well as for their help and support. We
also thank John Hanks and Henk Bertschinger for
their encouragement and helpful advice, and
Stefanie Ganswindt for expert help in laboratory
techniques.
