PROJECT SUMMARY:
(A)Explicit Relevance All research programs start by identifying
problem areas, which should be based on a knowledge of the pertinent
literature and on personal experience. The literature on all aspects
of rhinoceros biology has grown exponentially during the past
ten years, making it increasingly difficult for any researcher
to be aware of all aspects already studied.
(B) Objectives and Specific Aims The Encyclopaedia will be a compilation
of the literature, which treats every subject of rhinoceros biology,
culture and history in alphabetical order. The language will be
English throughout. When possible, original tables and photographs
will be used for illustrations. The Encyclopaedia will be a source
of information for the biologists and specialists for whom it
is primarily intended, as well as to the general public who can
refer to the subjects of their interest. An electronic version
will also be considered. The Encyclopaedia will be a summary of
anything ever written on the rhinoceros.
(C) Research Design and Methods During the past thirty years I
have been engaged in collecting references to the rhinoceros in
the literature, including all subjects: scientific, cultural and
historical. Over 5500 books, papers and short passages in books
have been assembled and are currently available. Further library
research and discussions will be completed during three study
tours to Europe and Asia. While it is obvious that no single author
can be an expert in every field, an Advisory Board consisting
of the world's rhinoceros experts will be constituted to assist
in each area of knowledge to guarantee that the facts are presented
objectively and accurately.
(D) Relation to other programs The Encyclopaedia will be a tool
for all other programs and research activities, as it brings together
all existing knowledge on the five threatened species of rhinoceros.
