| Abstract: | In a 3½ year field study the social system of the 2000 white rhinoceros in Umfolozi Game Reserve, Zululand, was investigated in a 30 km5 area and four supplementary areas. Direct observation, individual recognition, tagging and attachment of radio transmitters gave copious information on spacing, grouping, movement, confrontation, territory occupation, rank order. Behaviour patterns are compared with those of the black and Indian rhinoceros, processes underlying their evolution are considered, weighing the influences of phylogeny, ecology, morphology, nutrition. Territorial structure was found to be a strong influence. Selective consequences for survival, reproductive success and progeny viability are discussed. |
