Assessing how rhino occupancy influences the occupancy of other species

Voiceover

Presenter(s)(s)

Hanna Turk

Abstract or Description

The rhino is known for its unique territorial behavior that influences the behavior of other species in the surrounding areas. Rhinos use dung to spread their scent across their territory to deter other species from entering the area. The purpose of this study is to analyze what species are impacted by the territorial behavior of rhinos by comparing what species are present or absent in relation to rhino presence. This will help manage the biodiversity of the Greater Kruger area and give insight to rhino and other species behavior. All data was collected prior to this study, via camera traps, set up through the Greater Kruger area in South Africa. Using Megadetector, Timelapse, and R coding software, each camera trap image was processed for species identification, number of individuals present, and time of image captured. Three sites total will be compared to determine occupancy, where two sites show rhino presence and one site has no rhinos present. The data shows that the presence of the rhino promotes symbiotic relationships with other species, and there may be a strong predator-prey dynamic. Following the conclusion of this project, these findings will provide insight on the conservation efforts of the rhino species, determine biodiversity data, calculate species abundance, and improve the management of Kruger National Park and the Greater Kruger area.

Mentor

Derek Fedak