White Rhinoceros Facts: Habitat, Diet and Where to See Them

The white rhino has two subspecies. The southern white rhino is the most numerous of all rhinos, while the northern white rhino is functionally extinct. Both have been devastated by poaching for their horns, which are sold illegally in parts of Asia.

Interesting facts

The white rhino is the largest rhino and one of the largest land mammals.
‘White’ probably does not refer to colour; one theory links it to the Afrikaans word ‘wyd’, meaning wide, describing its mouth.
Rhino horn is made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails.
White rhinos use communal dung heaps, called middens, to communicate.
Only two northern white rhinos survive, both female, in Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Scientists are attempting to save the northern white rhino using IVF and surrogate southern white rhinos.

Behaviour

White rhinos are more social than other rhinos, and females and young often form small groups. Adult males hold territories and mark them with dung and urine sprays.

Breeding and young

A single calf is born after about 16 months. Calves walk ahead of their mothers, unlike black rhino calves, which follow behind.

Threats and conservation

Poaching for horn is the main threat and has increased sharply since about 2008. Dehorning, armed patrols and translocation are among the tools used to protect them.