Abstract
Dispersal is a risky process, both through social pressures and the uncertainty in finding resources. The white rhinoceros is unusual among rhinoceros spe- cies in its incipient sociality, manifested through the for- mation of temporary or more persistent groups involving subadults of both sexes plus adult females without small calves. We describe the probing excursions made by sub- adult white rhinos out of their established home ranges which were invariably made with a companion. We sug- gest additional benefits of companionship in such dis- persal movements, besides diluting predation risk, via (1) reducing the likelihood of being attacked by territori- al males and (2) familiarization with a wider region of the environment, guided by the companion. This "buddy system" may be important in reducing the high costs potentially associated with dispersal.
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