Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Health
Open Access

This chapter describes the literature review from a global, regional and local view basing on the objectives of the study as well a deeper and detailed of the background information. White Rhinoceros are found in Grassland and Savannah habitat. The White rhinoceros is one of the largest pure grazers. Regularly it drinks twice a day if water is available, but if conditions get dry, it can live up to four to five days without water. It spends about half of the day eating, one third resting, and the rest of the day doing various other things. White Rhinoceros like all other species of the rhino, loves wallowing in mud holes to cool down. White Rhinoceros are found in grassland and savannah habitat. The White Rhino is one of the largest pure grazers. Regularly it drinks twice a day if water is available, but if conditions get dry it can live four or five days without water. White Rhinos can live in a crash or herd of up to 14 animals (usually mostly female). Subadult males will congregate, often in association with an adult female. Most adult bulls are solitary. Dominant bulls mark their territory with excrement and urine. The dung is laid in well-defined piles. It may have 20-30 of these piles to alert passing rhinos that it’s his territory. Another way of marking their territory is wiping his horns on bushes or the ground and scrapes with its feet before urine spraying. They do this around 10 times an hour while patrolling territory. The same ritual as urine marking except without spraying is also commonly used. The territorial male will scrape-mark every 30 yards or so around its territory boundary. Subordinate males do not mark territory. The most serious fights break out over mating rights over a female. This chapter entails detailed description of the study area where the proposed research is to take place. It will give an overview of the climatic conditions and hydrology, types of plants and animals found in the area, the geology, settlement pattern and the socio-economic activities residents undertake [1-5].

Methodology

The research methodology refers to the techniques applied by the researcher in the study. In this study the method that shall be applied is the use of observations and belt transect. Belt transects shall be used in the blocks, the woodland area, the grassland area, the bush land area and the wetland fringe area.

Research design

The research design that will be used in the study use of cluster technique where the large Lake Nakuru Ecosystem will be Divided into four clusters namely; woodland area, the grassland area, the bush land area and the wetland fringe area. The researcher will then employ the belt transect technique to collect data from each of the block where the researcher 11 shall count all the White Rhinoceros from either the left side or the right hand side and record the numbers of white Rhinoceroses seen in a data sheet. The researcher will further use observation as a method and note down key things that the animals would be doing.

Study population

Population refers to the number of people residing within a given area over a certain period of time. The study population will consist of wardens, park staff, and visitors who will help in the study by giving out information on where the White Rhinoceros are commonly found in the Park.

Data collection procedure

Primary data will be collected by use of structured interviews to the park management, park staff as well as visitors. The data sheets for the three blocks namely, the woodland area, the grassland and bush land area and the wetland fringe area, will be prepared early in time before the project begins and will be filled by visitations to the named blocks during day time and any other appropriate time. Each block will have its day attached to it. During the process of filling the data sheets photographs will be taken of the white rhinoceros to help in data analysis.

Discussion

The findings of this study illuminate crucial aspects of the habitat and food preferences of the white rhinoceros within Lake Nakuru National Park, offering insights that are fundamental for the conservation and management of this iconic species. Through a comprehensive examination of the ecological interactions between the white rhinoceros and its environment, this discussion seeks to highlight key observations and their implications.

Habitat preferences

The study reveals that the white rhinoceros in Lake Nakuru National Park exhibits distinct habitat preferences, primarily favoring areas characterized by a combination of open grasslands and woodland habitats. These preferences align with the species’ natural behavior, as white rhinoceroses are known to be grazers that thrive in open landscapes where they can easily access and graze on grasses. The park’s mosaic of ecosystems provides a diverse range of habitats, allowing the white rhinoceros to navigate and adapt to its surroundings.

Factors influencing habitat selection

Several factors influence the white rhinoceros’ choice of habitat within the park. These include food availability, water sources, and terrain characteristics. The correlation between the distribution of white rhinoceros and the abundance of preferred vegetation types underscores the significance of these factors. Additionally, the proximity of water sources, such as Lake Nakuru, plays a pivotal role in determining the spatial distribution of the species, reflecting their reliance on water for both hydration and cooling.

Food preferences and foraging behavior

The study sheds light on the white rhinoceros’ food preferences, emphasizing a reliance on grasses as the primary dietary component. The preference for specific grass species and their nutritional quality is a key aspect influencing the foraging behavior of these herbivores. Understanding the nutritional content of preferred grasses is essential for managing the park’s vegetation to ensure a sustainable and adequate food supply for the white rhinoceros population.

Conservation implications

The insights gained from this study have direct implications for the conservation of white rhinoceros populations in Lake Nakuru National Park. Conservation efforts should prioritize the protection and restoration of the preferred habitats, focusing on maintaining the ecological integrity of the grasslands and woodlands. Effective management strategies should consider the spatial distribution of water sources, ensuring continued access for the rhinoceroses and mitigating potential conflicts arising from resource competition with other herbivores.

Challenges and future research directions

Despite the invaluable insights gained, challenges persist, including ongoing habitat degradation, poaching threats, and the potential impact of climate change on vegetation dynamics. Future research endeavors should address these challenges and explore the adaptive capacity of white rhinoceros populations in response to changing environmental conditions. Additionally, long-term monitoring programs are essential to track habitat use patterns, population dynamics, and any shifts in behavior that may occur over time [6-13].

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a foundation for informed conservation practices in Lake Nakuru National Park, emphasizing the intricate relationship between the white rhinoceros and its habitat. By integrating these findings into management strategies, stakeholders can work towards ensuring the long-term survival and well-being of the white rhinoceros population, contributing to the overall biodiversity conservation goals of the park and the broader East African region. In essence, this study serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the development of targeted and evidence-based conservation policies for the white rhinoceros in Lake Nakuru National Park. By integrating our insights into broader conservation frameworks, we aspire to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, the protection of critical ecosystems, and the sustainable coexistence of wildlife and local communities in Nakuru County and beyond. The white rhinoceros, emblematic of the park’s natural heritage, deserves our concerted efforts to ensure its continued presence and thriving in the East African landscape.

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