 Reference Base  The mammals of the southern African subregion, new edition |
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| Location: |
World |
| Subject: |
Behaviour - Social Behaviour |
| Species: |
White Rhino |
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Territorial bulls occupy clearly defined territories, which they defend against the trespass of other bulls from neighboring territories. In the Umfolozi Game Reserve in Natal, these territories vary in size from 0,75 km? to 2,60 km? (Owen-Smith, 1973); somewhat smaller than those of the black rhinoceros, D. bicornis. The boundaries of these territories often coincide with topographic features such as watercourses, crests of watershed ridges, or roads. The boundaries have narrow, common zones 50-100 m wide, visited by neighboring territorial bulls. Territorial bulls mark their territories by spray urination or defecating on latrines along the boundaries. Owen-Smith (1973) recorded that, only on five occasions during his study in Umfolozi, territorial bulls moved more than 100 m beyond their own territorial boundary where this had an available water supply. Where water is not available seasonally within their territories, the territorial bull will leave it every three or four days to drink. Where a territory does not include a water supply, a narrower corridor is used leading to it.
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