A random comment given by a visiting conservationist from America made me think about the similar behaviour patterns between rhinoceros and horses. He told me that a rhinoceros had become tame with its handler after being left in solitary confinement awaiting transport.
Living with horses, I am familiar with their habits but need outside help when considering wild animals. To find out more, I approached the Research Centre at the Ongava Game Reserve, which borders the Etosha National Park. This reserve currently holds a large number of rhinoceros, both black and white.
Rhinoceros and horses belong to the same order – Perissodactyla. Both horses and rhinos are bulk feeders, with white rhino and horses being grazers and black rhino browsers.
While rhino may appear to be relatively solitary, in fact they have quite a complex social structure. What I found most interesting was that white rhino have what is termed a ‘buddy system’. They find companions and form partnerships. A white rhino calf typically leaves its mother when it is about two years old (pushed away because the mother is having another calf). The youngster then forms a partnership with another rhino, usually another youngster or sub-adult, or with a cow and calf combination. They will walk and stay together. These companionships normally consist of a pair of rhino, but can also comprise a group of rhino.
One example was taken recently when a group of about nine white rhino roamed together. The group was composed mainly of youngsters with two sub-adults or a cow and calf combination coming in and out. This lasted for approximately six months and was semi-permanent. It then broke up into smaller units. This brings to mind the companionship needed by horses. One horse alone can become depressed and often develops behavioural issues. At least one companion is always needed.
Horses greet each other using sound (nickering, neighing), scent and sight. The rhino will also use its sense of sound (panting, squealing) and scent, which are both highly developed, for greeting other rhinos. For both animals the positioning of the ears gives an indication of mood. Both animals rely on their sense of smell to perceive danger; this makes them skittish and cautious when winds come from different directions.
Curious and alert, the horse will arch its neck and appears to grow in size. It snorts and lifts its tail when there is apparent danger. The rhinoceros will stare when it perceives movement. Then it takes a defensive position. When in a pair, the two put their hindquarters together.
The natural instinct of both horse and rhinoceros when catching the scent of humans is to run away. This is where humans try to tame or domesticate. Food security is imperative for this process, as is a feeling of safety. If stressed or feeling their ‘comfort zone’ or ‘personal zone’ encroached, the horse will run and the rhino trot away.
When in a group, both horses and rhinos are more comfortable and less wary. They are relaxed when not alone. When at a waterhole and one member walks in to drink, the rest follow suit more comfortably. The unsure members stay in the background. Rhinos enjoy their time at a waterhole and will mill around. They stand, watch, and drink together. After they have finished drinking, they will wait around. There is a feeling of companionship amongst them.
If we ascribe human emotions to them, we see their personalities. There are the timid, the curious, the playful, and the aggressive. One example is Risky, a female black rhinoceros at Ongava. She is assertive. When she comes to the waterhole there is no pause in the walk. She is not shy. She has a quirky sense of honour and chases the animals at the waterhole solely for the thrill of it. In a similar fashion all horses have their individual character. This makes horsemen all over the world fall in love with them. A horse can become a companion. Horse and man can learn to trust each other. In a similar way rhino may be able to overcome their fear of humans and trust them.
It is fascinating to observe animals and live in harmony with them. Namibia affords us this wonderful opportunity.
