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Science Journal

Save the Rhino Trust Publications

Over the four decades since our inception Save the Rhino Trust staff have been key to producing close to 20 peer reviewed Scientific articles on desert adapted black rhino movement, rhino monitoring work and support to community based tourism.  Below are the highlights of our research journey.

If you are interested to view any of these articles, most can be found on rhinoresourcentre.com
Should anything you are looking for not be available, please contact Save the Rhino Trust directly:  [email protected]

Peer-Review Publications

Bibliography

Peer-Review Publications

  • Muntifering, J.R, T. Gallo, C. Dietrich, P. Nyhus. (in prep). Investigating ranger welfare and wellness in northwest Namibia.
  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Guerera, P. Beytell, S. Stapleton, P. Miller (in review). Investigating population projections for black rhinoceroses in Namibia under various poaching and climate scenarios. Oryx
  • Schneider, R., J.R. Muntifering, S. Sullivan (2025). Community-based conservation surveillance: an ethnographic analysis of the drivers and obstacles of local reporting on rhino poaching in Namibia. Biological Conservation 311: e111396.
  • Muntifering, J.R., P. Beytell , L. Dax, L. Karutjaiva, A Malherbe, C. Naomab, B.A. Shivute, S. Uri-Khob, A.T. Knight. (2025). Pathways to more inclusive and effective rhino conservation: insights from a decade of design and delivery in northwest Namibia. Conservation Science and Practice 7:e70048.
  • Singh, P.B., Saud, P., Aryal, P.C., Rai, P., Muntifering, J.R., Hu, H., Karki, A., Hu, Y., Mainali, K.P., 2025. Decades of leopard coexistence in the Himalayas driven by ecological dynamics, not climate change. Global Ecology and Conservation 57, e03401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03401
  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Malherbe, L. Dax, P. Beytell (2023). From seeing to saving: how rhinoceros-based tourism in north-west Namibia strengthens local stewardship to help combat poaching. Frontiers in Sustainable Tourism. 1:1090309. doi: 10.3389/frsut.2022.1090309
  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Guerera, P. Beytell, K. Stratford (2023). Population parameters, performance and insights into factors influencing reproduction for black rhinoceros in Namibia. Oryx, 1-11. doi 10.1017/S0030605322001065
  • Chimes, L.C., P. Beytell, J.R. Muntifering, B. Kotting, V. Neville. 2022. Effects of dehorning on population productivity in four Namibia sub-populations of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis bicornis). European Journal of Wildlife Research 68 (5), 58, doi.org/10.1007/s10344-022-01607-5
  • Sullivan, S., S. !Uriǂkhob, B. Kötting, J.R. Muntifering and R. Brett. 2021. Historicising black rhino in Namibia: colonial-era hunting, conservation custodianship, and plural values. Future Pasts Working Paper Series 13. https://www.futurepasts.net/fpwp13-sullivan-urikhob-kotting-muntifering-brett-2021.
  • Naidoo, R., P. Beytell, A. Malherbe, A. Middleton, J. Birsch, and J.R. Muntifering 2021. Heterogeneous consumer preferences for local community involvement in nature-based tourism drive triple-bottom-line gains. Conservation Science and Practice: doi.org/10.1111/csp2.425
  • Cronin, D.T., S. Benbow, R.A. Bergl, E. Bourgault, L. Caro, A. Dancer, A. Davies, D. Joachim, C. Lewis, A.J. Lynam, J. Maaz, J.R. Muntifering, S. O'Donnell, J. Palmer, J. Slade, F. Spina Avino, X. Stevens, A. Wyatt. 2021. Empowering Rangers through Technology & Innovation. Parks Stewardship Forum 31(7): 196-205.
  • Esmaeili S, Jesmer BR, Albeke SE, Aikens EO, Schoenecker KA, King SRB, Abrahms B, Buuveibaatar B, Beck JL, Boone RB, Cagnacci F, Chamaillé-Jammes S, Chimeddorj B, Cross PC, Dejid N, Enkhbyar J, Fischhoff IR, Ford AT, Jenks K, Hemami MR, Hennig JD, Ito TY, Kaczensky P, Kauffman MJ, Linnell JDC, Lkhagvasuren B, McEvoy JF, Melzheimer J, Merkle JA, Mueller T, Muntifering J, Mysterud A, Olson KA, Panzacchi M, Payne JC, Pedrotti L, Rauset GR, Rubenstein DI, Sawyer H, Scasta JD, Signer J, Songer M, Stabach JA, Stapleton S, Strand O, Sundaresan SR, Usukhjargal D, Uuganbayar G, Fryxell JM, Goheen JR. Body size and digestive system shape resource selection by ungulates: A cross-taxa test of the forage maturation hypothesis. 2021. Ecology Letters: Oct;24(10):2178-2191. doi: 10.1111/ele.13848. Epub 2021 Jul 26.
  • Muntifering J.R, S. Clark, W. L. Linklater, S. !Uri-≠Khob, E. Heback, J. Cloete, S. Jacobs & A. T. Knight. 2020. Lessons from a Wildlife Tourism Cooperative: the Namibian black rhinoceros case. Annals of Tourism Research 82, [102918]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2020.102918
  • Naro, E.M., S. Maher, J.R. Muntifering, A. Eichenwald, & S.G. Clark. 2020. Syndicate recruitment, perceptions, and problem solving in Namibian rhinoceros protection. Biological Conservation 243: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108481.
  • Muntifering J.R, W. L. Linklater, R. Naidoo, S. !Uri-≠Khob, P. Du Preez, P. Beytell, S. Jacobs and A. T. Knight. 2019. Black rhinoceros avoidance of tourist infra structure and activity: planning and managing for coexistence. Oryx 55(1):150-159. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605318001606
  • Muntifering J.R., M. Ditmer, S. Stapleton, R. Naidoo & T. Harris. 2019. Characterizing Hartmann’s mountain zebra resource selection and movement behavior within a large unprotected landscape in north-west Namibia. Endangered Species Research: 38:159-170. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00941
  • Muntifering J.R, W. L. Linklater, R. Naidoo, S. !Uri-≠Khob, P. Du Preez, P. Beytell, S. Jacobs and A. T. Knight. 2019. Sustainable Close Encounters: integrating animal and human behavior to build tourism viewing protocols. Animal Conservation, 22: 189-197. https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12454
  • Gossling, M., J.R. Muntifering, H. Kolberg, K. Uiseb, & S. King. 2018. Equus zebra ssp. hartmannae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018. Gland, Switzerland.
  • Muntifering, J.R. 2016. A Quantitative Model to Fine-tune Tourism as a Rhinoceros Conservation Tool. PhD dissertation. Stellenbosch University.
  • Muntifering J.R, W. L. Linklater, S. G. Clark, S. !Uri-≠Khob, J. K. Kasaona, K. /Uiseb, P. Du Preez, K. Kasaona, P. Beytell, J. Ketji, B. Hambo, M. A. Brown, C.Thouless, S. Jacobs and A. T. Knight. 2015. Harnessing values to save the rhinoceros: insights from Namibia. Oryx, 51(1): 98-105. https://doi:10.1017/S0030605315000769.
  • Qin Yiyuan, P. J. Nyhus, C. L. Larson, C. J.W. Carroll, J.R. Muntifering, T. D. Dahmer, Lu Jun, and R. L. Tilson. 2015. An assessment of South China tiger reintroduction potential in Hupingshan and Houhe National Nature Reserves, China. Biological Conservation 182: 72-86.
  • Brodie, J.F., J.R. Muntifering, M. E. Hearn, B. Loutit, R. Loutit, B. Brell, S.Uri-Khob, N. Leader-Williams, P. du Preez. 2011. Population recovery of black rhinoceros in northwest Namibia following poaching. Animal Conservation 14(4): 354-362.
  • Muntifering, J.R., A.J. Dickmann, L.M. Perlow, T. Hruska, P.G. Ryan, L.L. Marker, and R.M. Jeo. 2006. Managing the matrix for large carnivores: a novel approach and perspective from cheetah habitat suitability modeling. Animal Conservation 9: 103-112.
  • Tilson, R., H. Defu, J.R. Muntifering and P.J. Nyhus. 2003. Dramatic decline of wild South China tigers: Field survey of priority tiger reserves. Oryx 38: 40-47.
  • Marker, L.L., J.R. Muntifering, A.J. Dickman, M.G.L. Mills and D.W. Macdonald. 2003. Quantifying prey preferences of free-ranging Namibian cheetahs. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 33(1): 43-53.

Books

  • Katjirua, L.Z., Shipepe, M., J.R. Muntifering. (2024). Eliciting empathy and connectedness toward different species in north-west Namibia. In Etosha Pan to the Skeleton Coast: Conservation Histories, Policies and Practices in North-west Namibia, Sullivan, S., U. Dieckmann, S. Lendelvo (eds.) Open Book Publishers, Cambridge, UK. Doi: https://doi.org/10.11647/obp.0402.08
  • Shaw, J.A., K. Adcock, R. Amin, N. Anderson, N. Banasiak, P. Beytell, R. Brett, R. duToit, R. H. Emslie, J. Flamand, L. Kariuki, C. Khayale, J. R. Muntifering, B. Okita-Ouma (2024). Black Rhinoceros: Contrasting Conservation Actions and Outcomes Across the Continent in Rhinos of the World: Ecology, Conservation and Management, Balfour, D. Mario Melletti and Bibhab Talukdar (eds), Springer Nature Publishers.
  • Muntifering J.R. 2022. Namibia: The Conservancy Rhino Ranger Incentive Programme. In People not Poaching (2022) Engaging communities to tackle illegal wildlife trade – lessons from Southeast Asia, South America and sub-Saharan Africa (ed O. Wilson-Holt). IIED and IUCN SULi, London.
  • Cronin, D.T., A. Dancer, B. Long, A.J. Lynam, J.R. Muntifering, J. Palmer, R.A. Bergl. 2021. Application of SMART software for conservation area management. In: Conservation Technology. S.A. Wich and A.K. Piel (eds), Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
  • Muntifering J.R. & W. Linklater. 2020. Designing evidence-based viewing protocols for sustainable wildlife encounters. In Handbook of Applied Research Tools for Sustainable Tourism: a guide for practitioners (ed A. Spenceley).
  • Muntifering, J.R. (ed). 2019. Large-scale Rhino Conservation in north-west Namibia: engaging and empowering local people to protect rhino. Pp 86. Venture Publications, Windhoek, Namibia.
  • Muntifering, J.R., B. Hambo, K. /Uiseb and P. du Preez. 2015. The Rhino Ranger Incentive Programme, Namibia. in Conservation, Crime and Communities: case studies of efforts to engage local communities in tackling illegal wildlife trade (ed D. Roe), pp. 26–29. iied, London.
  • Muntifering, J.R., R. Tilson, P. Nyhus, M.E. Soulé. 2009. Tiger restoration and biodiversity refugia in Asia: picking up the pieces. In Tigers of the World: The science, politics and conservation of Panthera tigris, 2nd Edition, eds. Ronald Tilson and Philip Nyhus.
  • Tilson, R., Nyhus, P., and J.R. Muntifering. 2009. Yin and Yang of Tiger Conservation in China. In Tigers of the World: The science, politics and conservation of Panthera tigris, 2nd Edition, eds. Ronald Tilson and Philip Nyhus.

Technical Reports

  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Malherbe, L. Karutjaiva, S. Uri-Khob. 2023. Annual Population Assessment for West Kunene Black Rhino Population. Save the Rhino Trust, Swakopmund, Namibia. Submitted to Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Pp 39.
  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Malherbe, L. Karutjaiva, S. Uri-Khob. 2023. Annual Population Assessment for West Kunene Black Rhino Population. Save the Rhino Trust, Swakopmund, Namibia. Submitted to Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Pp 39.
  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Malherbe, L. Karutjaiva, S. Uri-Khob. 2021. Annual Population Assessment for West Kunene Black Rhino Population. Save the Rhino Trust, Swakopmund, Namibia. Submitted to Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Pp 39.
  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Malherbe, L. Karutjaiva, S. Uri-Khob. 2020. Annual Population Assessment for West Kunene Black Rhino Population. Save the Rhino Trust, Swakopmund, Namibia. Submitted to Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Pp 40.
  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Malherbe, L. Karutjaiva, S. Uri-Khob. 2019. Annual Population Assessment for West Kunene Black Rhino Population. Save the Rhino Trust, Swakopmund, Namibia. Submitted to Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Pp 37.
  • Muntifering, J.R., L. Karutjaiva, S. Uri-Khob. 2018. Annual Population Assessment for West Kunene Black Rhino Population. Save the Rhino Trust, Swakopmund, Namibia. Submitted to Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Pp 30.
  • Muntifering, J.R., L. Karutjaiva, S. Uri-Khob. 2017. Annual Population Assessment for West Kunene Black Rhino Population. Save the Rhino Trust, Swakopmund, Namibia. Submitted to Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Pp 30.
  • Muntifering, J.R., L. Karutjaiva, S. Uri-Khob. 2016. Annual Population Assessment for West Kunene Black Rhino Population. Save the Rhino Trust, Swakopmund, Namibia. Submitted to Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Pp 34.
  • Muntifering, J.R. Lockhart, and Tingey, R. 2008. Kunene Regional Ecological Assessment. Report submitted to the Kunene People’s Park Technical Committee and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibia. Pp 105.
  • Muntifering, J.R. 2007. Counting game in the Kunene: exploring relationships between sampling effort, precision and statistical power. Report submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibia.
  • Muntifering J.R. 2007. Consumptive and non-consumptive tourism compatibility in the Kunene: preliminary insights from observed wildlife behavior in the Torra Conservancy and Palmwag Concession. Report submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibia.
  • Muntifering, J.R. 2002. Rapid Survey Assessment of Jaguar (Panthera onca) Status: La Moquitia and Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras, C.A. Report submitted to the Jaguar Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York.
  • Tilson, R., and J.R. Muntifering. 2002. Field Survey Final Report. South China Tiger Protection Program. Report to State Forestry Administration, PR of China.
  • Tilson, R., and J.R. Muntifering. 2001. Basic Guidelines for Tiger Field Surveys in South China. Survey manual.
  • Tilson, R., and J.R. Muntifering. 2001. Field Survey Final Report. South China Tiger Protection Program. Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund.
  • Tilson, R., P. Nyhus and J.R. Muntifering. 2001. Trip Report: South China Tiger Field Methods Workshop, Provincial Tiger Status Updates, and Field Activities.

Conference Presentations and Papers

  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Malherbe, L. Dax, S. Uri-Khob. 2023. From Seeing to Saving: tourism contributions to rhino conservation in Namibia. International Conference for Conservation Biology, Rwanda. (Oral Presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Malherbe, L. Dax, S. Uri-Khob. 2023. Namibia’s Rhino Pride Campaign. International Conference for Conservation Biology, Rwanda. (Poster Presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Malherbe, L. Dax, S. Uri-Khob. 2022. Conservancy Rhino Ranger Incentive Programme. African Protected Area Conference, Rwanda. (Poster Presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R., A. Malherbe, L. Dax, S. Uri-Khob. 2022. The Rhino Pride Campaign. African Protected Area Conference, Rwanda. (Poster Presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R. 2019. Engaging and Empowering Local People in Rhino Protection. 9th World Ranger Congress. Sauraha, Nepal. (Oral presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R. 2019. Engaging and Empowering Local People in Rhino Protection. Etosha Ecological Institute Symposium, Namibia. (Oral presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R. 2014. Tourism as a Bio-Cultural Conservation Tool. International Aboriginal Tourism Conference. Whistler, B.C. Canada. (Oral presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R., R. Loutit, S. Uri-Khob, K. Kasaona, C. Bakkes, P. Beytell & P. du Preez. 2012. Evidence-based Management of Rhino Conservation and Tourism in Namibia’s Northwest Communal Lands. Royal Society of South Africa: Gobabeb Symposium, Namibia. (Oral presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R. Lockhart, and Tingey, R. 2012. Kunene Regional Ecological Assessment. Royal Society of South Africa: Gobabeb Symposium, Namibia. (Oral presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R., R. Loutit, S. Uri-Khob, K. Kasaona, C. Bakkes, P. Beytell & P. du Preez. 2011. Evidence-based Management of Rhino Conservation and Tourism in Namibia’s Northwest Communal Lands. Society for Conservation Biology Annual Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand. (Poster presentation)
  • Nyhus, P.J., R. Tilson, J.R. Muntifering, T. Dahmer, L. Jun, W. Bin, C. Qing, C. Larson, C. Carroll. 2009. Restoring wild south China tigers: implications for large carnivore conservation in Asia. Society for Conservation Biology Annual Meeting, Beijing, China. (Oral presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R., B.A. Shivute, R. Tingey, & M.E. Hearn. 2007. Characterizing and mapping suitable black rhino habitat in the deserts of northwestern Namibia. Society for Conservation Biology Annual Meeting, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. (Poster presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R., M. Sibalatani, K. Kasaona, C. Bakkes, S. Uri-Khob, R. Loutit, & M. E. Hearn. 2007. Integrating Rhino Conservation and Responsible Tourism Practices. Society for Conservation Biology Annual Meeting, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. (Poster presentation)
  • Nyhus, P.J., R. Tilson, J.R. Muntifering, and T. Dahmer. 2007. Beyond Conservation: The Tiger as Driver to Restore Biodiversity in China. Felid Biology and Conservation Conference, Oxford, U.K. (Oral presentation)
  • Nyhus, P.J., J.R. Muntifering, T. Dahmer, and R. Tilson. 2005. South China Tiger Status and Recovery Options. IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas 5th Conference on Protected Areas in East Asia, Hong Kong. (Oral Presentation)
  • Nyhus, P.J., R. Tilson, J.R. Muntifering, and C. Qing. 2005. South China Tiger Program: rapid habitat assessment preliminary results July-August, 2005. International workshop for the Chinese tiger reintroduction, Beijing, China. (Oral Presentation)
  • Tilson, R., P.J. Nyhus , and J.R. Muntifering. 2004. Status of South China Tigers and Recovery Options. XIXth International Congress of Zoology, Beijing, China: ‘Conservation and Biodiversity – Tiger Conservation Biology’. (Oral presentation)
  • Muntifering, J.R., A.J. Dickman, L. Perlow, T. Hruska, R. Jeo, L.L. Marker. 2003. Habitat characteristics of cheetah on north-central Namibian farmlands. Society of Conservation Biology Conference Annual Meeting, Duluth, Minnesota. (Oral presentation)
  • Traylor-Holzer, K., R. Tilson and J.R. Muntifering. 2003. Fading Stripes: The South China tiger crisis. Society of Conservation Biology Conference Annual Meeting, Duluth, Minnesota. (Oral presentation)
Manuscripts in Progress
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