Cohesive behaviour of southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) in Zoo Bratislava

The southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) is an endangered species in the wild. There are some problems with successful breeding of this species in captivity, which can relate to forming optimal social structure of the breeding group. In our work we studied social
behaviour, especially cohesive behaviour of southern white rhinoceros in ZOO Bratislava. We used the descriptive method of a direct observation since September 2005 until April 2006 and we noted cohesive behaviour of three-member group of the southern white rhinoceros. We recorded a number of accepted and given cohesive activities for every animal. We calculated the attractivity index (IA) for every observed rhinoceros and we created the ladder of attractiveness. The female Sena had the most of activities of cohesive behaviour (265) and it addressed 98% of the activities to female Ada, only 2% to male Niko. The female Ada showed 161 cohesive activities. It addressed 99% of the activities to female Sena and only 1% to male Niko. The male Niko displayed 158 activities of cohesive behaviour and it addressed 1% of the activities to female Ada, 6% to female Sena. We could not determinate the receiver of Niko’s activities in 93%. The most attractive rhinoceros was female Ada (IA=0,618) and in the second place of the ladder of attractiveness was female Sena (IA=0,389). The lowest value of attractivity index had male Niko (IA=0,048). In conclusion, we can say, that cohesive relations among individuals in ZOO Bratislava are in comparison with relations among white rhinoceroses in wild.