The SGR covers an area of about 50,000 km2. Owing to its sheer size, little is known on the abundance and distribution of some important wildlife species including the black rhino. The black rhino is listed in Appendix I of Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) and is only known to occur in northern SGR after being poached in the rest of the reserve. Population of this species in the SGR declined greatly as a result of high levels of poaching during 1980’s and 1990’s; the poaching pressure is now controlled. However, in the recent years there have been sightings of some black rhino signs (including paw marks and faeces) and unconfirmed sightings of some individuals in north eastern SGR, which is separated from northern SGR by the Rufiji River.

Understanding species distribution and abundance is fundamental for developing effective conservation action plan. The proposed project will provide information on black rhino abundance and distribution. Such information is needed by wildlife managers who need to know where to focus conservation efforts for the species and for the wildlife authorities who need such information for policy development. Furthermore, this project will develop capacity of stakeholders in the SGR for long term monitoring and conservation of the black rhinos. It will also raise awareness among stakeholders for conservation of the species. Major activities of the project include:

(i)Use spoor count method to estimate index of rhino abundance and collect scats for estimating density using DNA analysis for designing appropriate conservation interventions;

(ii) Use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) to map the distribution of black rhino in the SGR for developing effective conservation actions (After every one month for four months, along with spore counting.);

(iii) Produce leaflets on rhino conservation for awareness raising among stakeholders.