Population parameters, performance and insights into factors influencing the reproduction of the black rhinoceros <i>Diceros bicornis</i> in Namibia

Abstract Estimating the population parameters, performance and factors that influence reproduction from long-term, individual-based monitoring data is gold standard for effective wildlife management conservation. Yet this information often difficult costly to collect or inaccessible managers. We synthesized a 20-year set of subset black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis subpopulations across range environmental conditions in Namibia. Our findings demonstrate despite relatively arid landscape Namibia, metapopulation performing well, measured by age at first reproduction, inter-birth interval, growth survivorship. Information-theoretic modelling revealed univariate model including normalized differential vegetative index had greater upon than density. The interval identified cumulative rainfall during 15 months prior birth month as top model, although mean was comparable. There little evidence density-dependence effects on reproduction. These suggest browse quality could have impact parameters spanning multiple years, shorter-term be more influenced rainfall. analysis also synchronous pattern conceptions occurring rainy season. study provides parameter estimates Namibian preliminary insights driving their expand our collective knowledge global dynamics improve confidence capability adaptively manage