Southern White Rhino

Southern White Rhino Facts & Photos
The White Rhinoceros is quite impressive in size.  They are the second largest land mammal and are surprising non-aggressive.  Their size is only exceeded by the elephant.  Ironically, they are grazers and eat primarily short grasses and leaves.

In the late 19th century, Southern White Rhinos were thought to be extinct.  However, a small herd was found in 1895 and they have been protected ever since.  Statistics now indicate that there are over 20,000 living Southern White Rhinos and they are the only rhinos that are not endangered at this time.   Unfortunately, that makes them a target for poachers and the illegal trade of their horns, which are consumed by the wealthy as a symbol of their elite status.

I couldn't help but think what a gentle giant this sweet Southern White Rhino was when I was photographing her.  She has such a serene look on her face.  She might not normally be the kind of animal that we would find endearing, but this one was.  I only had to stop long enough to really look and pay attention to her.  Oh, and if you look closely at the introduction picture, you can see the hair fringing her ears.

Southern White Rhino
Photo by Cynthia Sylvestermouse

 

Facts About the Southern White Rhino 


Left Image Attribution:
By TomFawls [CC BY-SA 3.0
  (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)],
from Wikimedia Commons

Right Image Attribution: 
By Ltshears [CC BY-SA 3.0
  (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)],
from Wikimedia Commons
 If you are wondering how you can tell the difference between a Southern White Rhino and other rhinos, you would need to look closely at their mouth.

The Southern White Rhino (image on the left) has a square muzzle instead of the pointed upper lip of the black rhino (image on the right).   

  • Life Span (wild):  30 yrs 
  • Life Span (captivity):  40 yrs
  • Weight:  Up to 5000 pounds 
  • Diet:  Grass & Leaves
  • Almost No Hair 
  • Most Hair found on tail & ears
  • Two Horns
  • Front Horn Length - Up to 60"  (average 24")
  • Regions: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Namibia
  • Near Threatened (previously endangered)





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