Territoriality and spatial patterns of white rhinoceros in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Boundaries associated with reserves or conservation areas may alter spatial patterns of individuals, and may affect the sexes differently in species that exhibit sex‐specific patterns of space use. Because of poaching threats, most African rhinos today persist within sanctuaries or reserves with fenced perimeters. We examined spatial patterns of adult white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe. Matobo Park contains a high‐density population of rhinos within a fenced reserve and a lower‐density group outside of the fenced area. Adult females in the lower‐density group used significantly larger home ranges than those in the high‐density group. Overlap among female home ranges was extensive in both groups. Adult male white rhinos establish territories that are exclusive of other males performing scent‐marking behaviours, and in Matobo Park, male territories were much larger than those observed in other populations of white rhinos. Additionally, few adult males in the high‐density reserve held territories that occupied most available space; two‐thirds of adult males were excluded from establishing territories, and followed a non‐territorial tactic. In the absence of dispersal opportunities, managers may need to regulate the number of males within smaller reserves. Monitoring of spatial patterns should be undertaken to permit management decisions to be made with an understanding of male behaviour and territorial status.