Northern White Rhinoceros

== Description ==
The northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni ), or northern square-lipped rhinoceros, is one of two subspecies of the white rhinoceros (the other being the southern white rhinoceros). Formerly found in several countries in East and Central Africa south of the Sahara, this subspecies is a grazer in grasslands and savanna woodlands. Since 19 March 2018, there are only two known rhinos of this subspecies left, called Najin and Fatu, both of which are female; barring the existence of unknown or misclassified male northern white rhinos elsewhere in Africa, this makes the subspecies functionally extinct. The two female rhinos belong to the Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic but live in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya and are protected round-the-clock by armed guards. According to the latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessment from 2020, the subspecies is considered "Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct in the Wild).
== Appearance ==
Northern white rhinoceroses are lighter and smaller than southern white rhinoceroses. Although the largest males of both subspecies ranged between 3.7 and 4 metres (about 12 and 13 feet) in length and stood nearly 2 metres (7 feet) tall, male northern white rhinoceroses tended to be shorter in length than male southern white rhinoceroses. Males of the northern subspecies weighed up to 1,600 kg (3,500 pounds), whereas male southern white rhinoceroses can weigh as much as 2,000–2,400 kg (about 4,400–5,300 pounds). Northern white rhinoceroses tend to have longer limbs, a shorter palate, and a flatter top of the skull than their southern counterparts.
== Distribution ==
The northern white rhinoceros formerly inhabited South Sudan and adjacent areas of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with its range extending westward into the Central African Republic. The remaining population, two females, resides at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
== Lifestyle ==
The northern white rhinoceros is a grazing mammal with a broad, square muzzle. It prefers short grasses 7–10 cm (3–4 inches) high for grazing, and it rests under shade trees. It tends to be paler than rhinoceroses of other species. It lives in groups of up to 10 individuals and fights with its horns. Male northern white rhinoceroses are noticeably larger than females.
== Diet ==
Northern white rhinoceroses graze on short grass. (Graminivores)
== Reproduction ==
Male and female northern white rhinoceroses became sexually mature at different times. Females reached this point between ages 4 and 5, but males did not mate until after age 10. After a successful mating took place, a single calf was produced some 16 months later. Although northern white rhinos could breed throughout the year, females gave birth to one calf roughly every 3–4 years.
== Population ==
=== Population number ===
The northern white rhino formerly ranged over parts of northwestern Uganda, southern South Sudan, the eastern part of Central African Republic, and northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their range possibly extended as far west as Lake Chad, into Chad and Cameroon.
== Gallery ==
File:Northern White Rhinoceros1.webp
File:Northern White Rhinoceros2.webp
File:Northern White Rhinoceros.webp
== Main References ==
https://animalia.bio/northern-white-rhinoceros
Category:Animals
Category:Animalia
Category:Chordata
Category:Vertebrata
Category:Vertebrates
Category:Mammals
Category:Mammalia
Category:Perissodactyla
Category:Rhinocerotidae
Category:Ceratotherium
Category:Terrestrial Animals
Category:Herbivores
Category:Graminivores
Category:Grazers
Category:Altricial Animals
Category:Polygynous Animals
Category:African Animals
Category:Animals of Kenya
Category:Critically Endangered