Manon Pache
Master in biology
manon.pache@unine.ch
Interests
Spending time outdoors has always been something I’m particularly fond of. However, my interest in the natural world and its processes truly began when I started my bachelor in Environmental Sciences. Throughout my studies, I gained a solid understanding of the mechanisms that shape our earth, landscapes and ecosystems, deepening my knowledge of the complexities and interconnections within nature. At the same time, my concern for biodiversity loss sparked the desire to pursue a master in Biology, in which I could focus on the science and research underpinning conservation efforts.
Therefore, for my master thesis, I joined the Black Rhino Conservation Ecology Project led by Postdoc Vanessa Duthé.
Master thesis project
My project aims to study dietary preference and foraging behavior of temporary captive wild black rhinos.
The black rhino (Diceros bicornis) is one of Africa’s most endangered megaherbivores, due to poaching and habitat loss. To counter this, one of the conservation measures put in place consists of translocating them to form new populations and extend the species’ range. When black rhinos are captured for long-distance translocation, they are somethings placed in enclosure (called bomas), so that they can get in shape and prepare for their new environment. In the wild, black rhino actively forage on their preferred plants, which they seem to select through chemistry. In captivity, their diet is radically different, and some individuals have difficulty adjusting and may develop diseases.
Thus, my work seeks to use technics like metabolomics, nutrient and volatiles organic compounds analyses to investigate the foraging habits of wild black rhino temporarily held in bomas and to support effective feeding practices in captivity.
The field work was carried out in 2024 in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Bomas-captive black rhinos were submitted to a food choice experiment over several days and dung and plant samples were collected.
This project will not only help to enhance our knowledge of black rhino diets, but also to improve their conditions of captivity, even temporarily, by giving them food adapted to their needs, and which reflects the characteristics of their diet in the wild. In this way, I hope to support those in the field who are actively involved in the protection and the conservation of black rhinos.
