Firslty, the elephant social system is a Matriarchy and differs significantly from that of rhinos. The only species similar to elephant are the lions.

Adult white rhino females live in overlapping home ranges which encompass 6 - 7 territories averaging 1.65 km2 (0.8 - 2.6). Females and subadults are rarely solitary. They associate in pairs, typically a female with her most recent offspring.

A juvenile rejected at 2 - 3 years when the mother calves again seeks another companion, preferably of the same age and sex, but may attach itself transiently to another cow with calf. A calfless cow will tolerate 1 or more juvenile substitutes, and 2 calfless cows may join forces.

Stable herds of up to 6 head can be formed in this way; larger groups, of up to a dozen, represent temporary aggregations, especially during midday heat when white rhinos sleep on breezy ridges. Adult females rarely permit any individual except their partners to come closer than several meters, but the young are less standoffish and often engage in horn-wrestling.

Unlike cows and adolescents, adult bulls are basically solitary. Except to check the females' urine, they associate only with those in oestrus. In Natal, all available range is partitioned into territories held by only two thirds of the mature bulls, whose average tenure is 3 years. Perhaps because dispersal is prevented by fences, the other one third live as satellites on the territories.

One or occasionally 2 - 3 satellite bulls reside within a particular territory whose owner becomes conditioned to their presence to the point of ignoring them, as long as they behave submissively. The fact that territorial bulls treat non-resident intruders far more aggressively promotes the residency arrangement.

Black rhinos exhibit a similar social system.

This information is once again derived from www.WildlifeCampus.com - This time from our Behaviour Guide to African Herbivores Course .