Hot Under the Collar: The Failure of Radio-Collars on Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis

• Published in: Oryx Vol. 35; no. 1; p. 284
• Main Authors: Alibhai, Sky K, Jewell, Zoe C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2001
• ISSN: 0030-6053

Radio collar monitoring is a cornerstone of the black rhinoceros conservation program. This examination of the rates and causes of transmission failure in the Sinamatella Intensive Protection Zone, Zimbabwe, considers results from four collaring operations between 1993-2000. A total of 89 collars were monitored, of which 28 were hose and 61 strap models. All of the hose collars failed within the first year of placement. The failure rate for strap collars within the first year was 73% for males and 44% for females. Older males had higher failure rates than younger males, and failure rates were slightly higher in the wet season.