| Abstract: | Food preferences of two discrete black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis L.) populations were studied in northern Tanzania from 1964–1966 Feeding rhinoceros were watched for a period of one hour, and the plants which they selected and rejected were identified, either as they were feeding or when they had moved on. A technique was used which provided an indication of the relative importance of certain plants in the diet. Observations were made in six different habitat types used by the rhinoceros during the wet and dry seasons. A total of 307 hours was spent actually watching feeding rhinoceros. During this period they were observed eating 191 plant species from 49 botanical families. In all habitat types rhinoceros consume a wide variety of the spectrum of plants available, but are highly selective for herbs and shrubs. At certain periods of the year stenophagous characteristics are apparent, and the species shows a marked preference for legumes. Grasses make up a small proportion of the diet. |
