Temperament assessment of black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinos using keeper temperament surveys and novel object tests

Kelly Chimpén Mac Leod, Marieke K Jones, Lara C Metrione and Elizabeth W Freeman

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 9, 1-23

Abstract: Ex situ conservation of African rhinoceros is essential for their preservation, and characterization of temperament could be useful for managing their wellbeing. Here, the temperaments of 49 black (Diceros bicornis, BR) and 125 white (Ceratotherium simum, WR) rhinos in North American institutions were assessed using keeper temperament surveys. Median keeper ratings on 12 behaviors were clustered by PCAs into temperament profiles related to bold/fearful, active/inactive and anthrophilic/-phobic traits for BR and WR, and reactive/stoic traits for WR. Novel object (rope basket) tests were conducted on 32 BR and 66 WR to measure individual temperaments. Proportion of time active and stimulated, frequency of interactions, and latency to approach the basket were analyzed. Statistical models were used to determine associations of demographic and environmental factors with the expression of temperament. Spearman’s correlations were used to assess the relationship and validity between temperament assessments. The survey temperament profiles indicated that males of both species were more active than females, and activity declined with age in WR (p

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0356484

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0356484

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