Behavioral Ecology of Southern White Rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum simum, in the Cape Floristic Region

The project on southern white rhinos, Ceratotherium simum simum, began in 2016 and aims to:

• Elevate the importance of behavioral ecology in management policies of megaherbivores. 
• Understand the ecological role of white rhinoceros in the Cape Floral Kingdom.

South Africa is the stronghold for white rhinoceros and if they are to survive the current mass extinction period increased management based on long term research is crucial. Our aim is to provide sustainable management recommendations based on the ecology of various populations within protected areas.  We implement long term monitoring and observation of white rhinoceros populations located around South Africa where time budgets, social interaction and habitat utilization is consistently monitored.

Fund Our Research

​At Nkonzo Wildlife, our research relies on funding from international volunteers and interns. We implore the international community to band together and support ethical research initiatives like the White Rhinoceros Social Behavior project at Nkonzo Wildlife.
​The goal of Nkonzo Wildlife rhinoceros research is to understand the sociality of rhinoceros populations in various habitats. Understanding the role of the environment on behavior is critical in the development of proper wildlife management techniques in high-fenced properties in South Africa. 
Data is collected through ethical observational research that observes rhino populations throughout their daily activities and monitors their condition, interactions, and stress levels. 
Funding supports vehicle costs such as fuel and maintenance, equipment support such as batteries, printing of data sheets, and tracking equipment. Please consider supporting our critical research by pledging a once off or monthly donation to continue our rhinoceros research project.