Our team of vets at Terra Natura Benidorm have started to take blood samples to analyse the level of hormones in the female rhino, called Nisha. With the data obtained from these analyses, it will be possible to identify the periods of fertility of this female and, therefore, establish a calendar of the periods of heat and know when she can join with the male to have a better chance of achieving the reproduction of this species.

The population of the Indian rhino is seriously threatened. In fact, the species is endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Blood is taken from the veins in the rhinos’ ears, an extremely sensitive area for this animal. As a first step, therefore, they must be trained through positive reinforcement so that the veterinarians can touch the ears and be able to draw the animal’s blood. Samples will be taken twice a week for two months and sent to a specialised laboratory for analysis.

Normally, female rhinos undergo certain changes in their behaviour when they are in heat, but in Nisha’s case this does not happen. This female does not change her behaviour, so the only way to know when she is likely to mate with the male is to predict it based on hormone levels through the blood test she will undergo.

Specifically, the levels of progesterone in the female’s blood are measured. This hormone is usually kept at low levels and only increases at the time of oestrus. The oestrus period occurs approximately every 40 to 50 days in this species.

Female rhinoceroses generally change their behaviour when in heat, losing their appetite, urinating more frequently, and emitting snorts in the form of whistles. This change in behaviour is thought to be because they are seeking the attention of a male who is close to them.

Conservation landmark

Terra Natura Benidorm is considered a reference centre in the management and care of the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), as it is the only nature park in Spain that has managed to reproduce this species on two occasions. The first birth was in 2012 and the second birth in 2019.