SOUTHERN WHITE RHINO
Ceratotherium simum
DESCRIPTION
The Southern white rhino is one of the largest species of rhinoceros and is characterized by its broad mouth, which is adapted for grazing. It is a social animal, often found in groups, and is primarily found in southern Africa.
FUN FACTS
- Southern white rhinos can run at speeds of up to 40 km/h | They have a very keen sense of smell but poor eyesight | Their horns are made of keratin, the same material as human hair and nails
QUICK INFO
Lifespan40-50 years in the wild, up to 60 in captivity
Average Weight1,800-2,500 kg
Average Length3.4-4.2 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — typically found in small groups or mother-offspring pairs
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round
- Habitat
- They inhabit savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. These areas provide ample grazing opportunities and sufficient space for movement.
- Biomes
- Savanna, Grassland
- Native Range
- Historically widespread across southern Africa, now primarily found in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya
- Diet
- Southern white rhinos are herbivores that primarily graze on grasses. They have a preference for short grasses but will also consume leaves and shrubs when necessary.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- grasses
- Social Structure
- group — typically found in small groups or mother-offspring pairs
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 2-15
- Territorial
- 0
VU
1,800-2,500 kg
Weight
3.4-4.2 m
Length
1.5-1.8 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- grayish-brown with a thick skin that appears wrinkled
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally larger than females
- Lifespan
- 40-50 years in the wild, up to 60 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- approximately 16 months
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population has recovered from near extinction due to conservation efforts, but it remains vulnerable.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 18,000-20,000
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include poaching for their horns and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and human settlement.
- Conservation Program
- Various conservation programs and protected areas have been established to safeguard their populations.
- Predators
- humans are the primary threat, while young rhinos may be vulnerable to lions and crocodiles.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their size and strength for defense, and can charge at high speeds when threatened.
- Compatible Animals
- none
- Found in Zoos
- Common