Southern white rhinos are threatened by incest and habitat fragmentation
Monday, December 16, 2019 - 10:50
in Biology & Nature
The fragmentation of natural habitats by fences and human settlements is threatening the survival of the white rhinoceros. It prevents dispersal from the family group and leads to mating among close relatives. Additionally female rhinoceros favour individual males for mating over others and sire several offspring with the same partner over consecutive breeding periods. These factors lead to a high degree of inbreeding. The results come from the largest scientific study to date on the sexual preferences of white rhinos, published in the journal Evolutionary Applications. The scientists propose specific measures to ensure the long term survival of the species.