AbstractThe territorial behaviour of the black wildebeest was studied from 1968 to 1970 in the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve and other reserves in South Africa.Territoriality is a prerequisite for reproduction. Non-territorial males are barred from partaking in the rut. Territorial males may occupy a territory from their fourth year on, but the majority of territorial owners were five years old or more.Territorial males formed a network of territories, although single territorial males could also be observed. The spacing between individuals varied between 180-450 m in the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve; spacing of territorial black wildebeest as well as the number of territorial males depend on the density of the population.Territorial black wildebeest showed a strong and lasting attachment to their territories. The species was territorial throughout the year although absenteeism became prevalent after the rut.Territorial black wildebeest advertised their territories and defended them against intruding con...