Wallows and wallow utilization of the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) in a natural enclosure in Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve Selangor Malaysia


Citation

Zainal Zahari Z., . and Ng Julia S. C., . and Adam Nordin, . Wallows and wallow utilization of the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) in a natural enclosure in Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve Selangor Malaysia. pp. 7-12. ISSN 0121-8126

Abstract

A study on wallows and their utilization by the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) was carried out in a 10-acre natural enclosure from March 1998 to October 1999 at Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve Selangor. Observations of a pair were also carried out to determine the wallowing period. Three active wallows were observed in April and May 1998 and September 1999. Two distinct periods of increased wallow construction were from March-July 1998 and March-Jun 1999. Twenty wallows were identified with three distinct networks located on a slope near the main trail and adjacent to a swamp. Wallowing starts between 1000H-1030H with a peak at 1400H-1430H and the wallowing period decreases gradually from 1400H to 1600H. The wallows or its contents should be changed every three months as observed during the study. Man-made wallows could be improved by selecting good quality mud of thick consistency. Further studies should also be carried out to determine the reason of animals abandoning a wallow after a period of time and the chemical elements in a wallow.


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Abstract

A study on wallows and their utilization by the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) was carried out in a 10-acre natural enclosure from March 1998 to October 1999 at Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve Selangor. Observations of a pair were also carried out to determine the wallowing period. Three active wallows were observed in April and May 1998 and September 1999. Two distinct periods of increased wallow construction were from March-July 1998 and March-Jun 1999. Twenty wallows were identified with three distinct networks located on a slope near the main trail and adjacent to a swamp. Wallowing starts between 1000H-1030H with a peak at 1400H-1430H and the wallowing period decreases gradually from 1400H to 1600H. The wallows or its contents should be changed every three months as observed during the study. Man-made wallows could be improved by selecting good quality mud of thick consistency. Further studies should also be carried out to determine the reason of animals abandoning a wallow after a period of time and the chemical elements in a wallow.

Additional Metadata

[error in script]
Item Type: Article
AGROVOC Term: Rhinoceroses
AGROVOC Term: wildlife management
AGROVOC Term: Captivity
AGROVOC Term: Forest reserves
AGROVOC Term: Wildlife parks
AGROVOC Term: Animal behaviour
AGROVOC Term: Peat soils
AGROVOC Term: Swamps
AGROVOC Term: Clay soils
AGROVOC Term: Habitats
Depositing User: Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified: 24 Apr 2025 00:54
URI: http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/8571

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