Abstract

Territoriality is usually considered to be the attachment to and defense of a specific geographic area. Although often considered a characteristic of mankind, the identification of an area for exclusive use is a well-documented practice among many species of animal life. The examples provided in the Introduction involving the “marking” of territorial boundaries by dogs and the defense of nesting areas by mockingbirds illustrate two of many examples of territoriality by species other than humans. In addition to birds and dogs, territoriality has been observed in many other species. A number of mammals claim exclusive territories and mark the boundaries of those areas with self-produced scent in the form of urine or musk on stumps, tree limbs, or rocks. Among some social animals such as the primates, there is a tendency for territory to be claimed by groups rather than individuals. Organized bands of monkeys and apes often occupy and defend territories as a group.