Van der Goot, A.C. (Annemieke Catharina)Dalerum, FredrikGanswindt, AndreMartin, G.B.Millar, Robert P.Paris, Monique C.J.2013-10-022014-03-312013-04Van der Goot, AC, Dalerum, F, Ganswidt, A, Martin, GB, Millar, RP & Paris, MCJ 2013, 'Faecal progestagen profiles in wild southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)', African Zoology, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 143-151.1562-7020 (print)2224-073X (online)6507085906G-9856-2014http://hdl.handle.net/2263/31865We 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.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.enSU LISProgestagenReproductionWild populationsNon-invasiveCeratotherium simumWhite rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)White rhinoceros -- ReproductionFecesProgestational hormonesArticle