Predicting Sex in White Rhinoceroses: A Statistical Model for Conservation Management

Abstract

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Over the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in comprehending the structure and dynamics of wild populations. This plays a pivotal role in enhancing our knowledge of wildlife management, conservation biology, and behavioral ecology. The primary objective of this study was to construct a mathematical model that could anticipate the sex of the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) by employing non-invasive techniques. The development of this predictive mathematical model—which utilizes concentrations of fecal cortisol, progesterone, estrone, and testosterone metabolites, and which achieves an accuracy rate of approximately 80% for white rhinoceroses—represents a significant and groundbreaking advancement in the realm of wildlife conservation.