Given that land for wildlife is scarce, very scarce actually anywhere in the world, and also in Africa (only 1-2% if African land is still available to wildlife, sadly enough), one can understand why male rhinos defend their territories so ruthlessly. This is of course not the reason at all, they are always territorial, especially male rhinos. It is in their genetic code.
Rhinos are, in general, solitary animals that prefer to live an independent life. White Rhinos tend to be a little more social. However, they all demand their own territories, particularly male rhinos. In order to ensure that they can secure their territory, certain behaviors patterns have been established. This behavior is sometimes aggressive, and sometimes displayed merely as a warning.
As rhinos have poor eyesight, mock charges can go wrong, and end up in a tree or a bush. And often an attack ends up being deadly. Even female rhinos get regularly killed by aggressive males (not very romantic, in my opinion).
In general males “control” an area of 1-4 square kilometres, so that’s not that much. This territory, however, is fiercely defended, and also marked, by means of urinating on trees and bushes, as well as spreading dung. This sends “boundaries” to other rhinos, so if they don’t get it that way, then … good luck.
Here two photos taken a few days ago, of this phenomenon. Fascinating stuff.
As you can see, our rhinos are all de-horned to protect them against the scum of the earth: poachers.
