Social Spacing
Permission given by The Honolulu Zoo Are Black Rhinos Territorial? The extent to which the Black Rhino is territorial is debated. As a result of scarce resources and high energetic needs, Black Rhinos are generally very solitary animals, and therefore originally believed to indicate that they were strongly territorial (Joubert, 1971). Subsequent studies have shown that Black Rhinos are fairly unaggressive, and conflicts between males are rarely severe. Black Rhinos are currently believed to have exclusive core areas, in which the Rhino rests, that are not defended (Wildwatch, 2003). These areas are located in high, shaded areas, allowing the Rhino to avoid overheating (San Diego Zoo, 2003). The borders of these areas are poorly defined, as feces and urine markings are not located on boundaries (Joubert, 1971). Core area sizes in males are approximately 4-5 km2, with females' core area slightly larger at 6-8 km2 (San Diego Zoo, 2003). Since Black Rhinos are almost always solitary, no clear dominance hierarchies are found.
Permission given by The Honolulu Zoo
Home Range Black Rhinos have overlapping home ranges in which they feed, drink, and breed. The size of a Black Rhino's home range varies depending on habitat type and season. In high-quality territories with dense food and water sources, and during highly productive seasons, Black Rhinos utilize a smaller home range and there are higher rhinoceros densities (San Diego Zoo, 2003). Black Rhino home ranges in high-quality territories (Ngorogoro) range from 3- 44 km2, whereas home ranges in lower quality territories range from 44-130 km2. Younger rhinos often cover a larger range than older Black Rhinos (Joubert, 1971).
Black Rhinos live in dry climates, and though they are relatively resistant to desiccation, water is an major determinant of home ranges. Black Rhinos require a steady water source, and their home ranges usually do not extend more than 25 km2 from their water source (Wildwatch, 2003). Black Rhinos often exhibit wallowing behavior, in which they stand still in a mud or dust pit. Though relatively sedentary behavior allows Rhinos to control body temperature and water loss, Black Rhinos sometimes travel 8-25 km a day between water and food sources (Joubert, 1971).
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