Black rhinos are mostly loners, but not always: Why this matters for saving the species
Black rhinos are notoriously aggressive, not just to humans but also to their fellow black rhinos. Aggression is so prevalent that injuries sustained after fighting with another black rhino are a common cause of death. Because of this aggression and their solitary nature, black rhino social behavior has been largely unexplored. Yet it may be key to conservation of this critically endangered…
Black rhinos are notorious for their aggressive behavior, often leading to injuries and death from fights with other rhinos. This solitary nature has made their social behavior a mystery until now, but it may be crucial for the conservation of this critically endangered species. With an estimated 6,788 black rhinos in Africa in 2024, only 516 were killed by poachers that year, 81% of them in South Africa.
Translocation is a key conservation tool, moving individuals to benefit both recipient and donor populations. However, aggression between newcomers or within groups can make this risky. One successful project, the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, has translocated rhinos for over 20 years. Although generally solitary, black rhinos have been observed in small groups, challenging previous beliefs.
A recent study found that 8.1% of sightings were of groups of 3-7 animals, often involving individuals with prior associations. This suggests that selecting animals with existing relationships may reduce aggression risks during translocation. Adult females, in particular, tend to have more associates and are seen more often with other females.
Adult males, however, are more aggressive and interacting with them can lower the survival rate of calves. These findings could improve translocation practices by reducing aggression and increasing the chances of successful translocation.
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