Effects of translocation on hematologic parameters of free-ranging black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) in Kenya

Management of the endangered black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) i n Africa frequently involves translocation. These procedures are not withou t risk, and protocols must be critically examined. Hematologic analyses can be used to evaluate the effects of translocation on animal health. Hematol ogic data obtained during routine translocation of free ranging black rhino ceros (n = 74) in Kenya between 1991 and 1995 were examined, and subsets of data from rhinoceros (n = 43) that were translocated to different regions of Kenya were compared. All animals showed an increase in total blood prote in. Animals transported for longer periods and to lower altitude zones with higher ambient temperatures and trypanosomiasis developed anemia and showe d neutrophilia, lymphopenia (males), and eosinopenia. The changes in packed cell volume (PCV), hemaglobin, and neutrophils were more marked in females , and the PCV drop was more significant in subadults. The red cell changes were most probably pathologic, involving the loss of red cells from circula tion through sequestration or hemorrhage. The changes in white cell paramet ers are consistent with the effect of endogenous corticosteroids as a resul t of stress. Transport and confinement stress might. lead to gastric ulcera tion with hemorrhage. In many animals, exposure to trypanosomes contributes to anemia.