ATTRACTIVENESS OF BLACK RHINOCEROS (DICEROS-BICORNIS) TO TSETSE-FLIES(GLOSSINA SPP) (DIPTERA, GLOSSINIDAE) AND OTHER BITING FLIES

During translocations of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis Linnaeus) in Kenya, we studied the relationships between the rhinoceros and biti ng flies. In trapping experiments, rhinoceros waste products (urine or dung) were substituted for known attractants such as cow urine, 1-oct en-3-ol or acetone. Catches of Glossina pallidipes Austen, Glossina lo ngipennis Corti, Stomoxys spp., and Haematopota spp. were not affected by these substitutions. NG2G and Vavoua traps sited near captive anim als caught similar numbers and kinds of flies as traps set without ani mals. Any minor attractive properties of rhinoceros odours were probab ly due to the presence of known attractants such as 4-cresol and 3-n-p ropylphenol, which were confirmed to be present through gas chromatogr aphy-mass spectroscopy. In feeding trials with laboratory-reared tsets e, Glossina brevipalpis Newstead and Glossina morsitans centralis Mach ado fed well on immobilized animals, whereas G. longipennis fed reluct antly. Catches of G. brevipalpis were doubled in one trapping experime nt when rhinoceros urine was used as odour bait. Philoliche spp., Haem atopota spp, and other Tabanidae fed on captive rhinoceroses. Many spe cies of Stomoxyinae were associated with rhinoceroses. Of these, the m ost frequent association was with Rhinomusca dutoiti Zumpt, a species found previously only in South Africa. Rhinomusca dutoiti was found in two highland rhinoceros sanctuaries, Nairobi National Park and Solio Ranch Game Reserve.