How to translate text using browser tools
1 October 2015 Baseline Hematologic Results for Free-ranging White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Michele Miller, Peter Buss, Rachel Wanty, Sven Parsons, Paul van Helden, Francisco Olea-Popelka
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Complete blood counts (n = 115) and red blood cell analytes (n = 80) were assessed in free-ranging white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) from Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Blood was collected from healthy animals immobilized between February and September 2009–11 for management purposes. Our objectives were to establish baselines for KNP’s white rhinoceros population and to compare results based on sex and age group. Significant differences in total white blood cells, total eosinophils, and hemoglobin were found between adult and subadult rhinoceros. Female rhinoceros had significantly higher total white blood cells and lower hemoglobin compared with males. Hematologic analytes were similar to those published for other rhinoceros populations, although the impact of capture and sampling methods, nutritional status, and habitat should be considered when comparing data. This baseline hematology for healthy free-ranging white rhinoceros in KNP may be useful in assessing health status for translocation and medical interventions, including treatment of poaching cases.

© Wildlife Disease Association 2015
Michele Miller, Peter Buss, Rachel Wanty, Sven Parsons, Paul van Helden, and Francisco Olea-Popelka "Baseline Hematologic Results for Free-ranging White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in Kruger National Park, South Africa," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 51(4), 916-922, (1 October 2015). https://doi.org/10.7589/2015-03-081
Received: 28 March 2015; Accepted: 1 May 2015; Published: 1 October 2015
KEYWORDS
Ceratotherium simum
complete blood count (CBC)
hematology
white rhinoceros
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top