White Rhinoceros

## Description

The White rhino (Ceratotherium simum) is the second-largest mammal in the world. An alternative name for this species is the "Square-lipped rhinoceros", referring to the hairless, square upper lip of the animal. The word "rhino" derives from an Africaan's (West Germanic language) word, translated as "wide", as a reference to the broad muzzle of this mammal. Once on the verge of extinction, White rhinos have been successfully saved. Although these animals are now protected, they are still threatened by hunting for their horns. Thus, in South Africa, there has recently been recorded mortality among White rhinos, associated with poaching. Currently, efforts are put to stop poaching as well as illegal trade.

## Appearance

The White rhinoceros weighs slightly more on average than a hippopotamus despite a considerable mass overlap between these two species. It has a massive body and large head, a short neck, and a broad chest. On its snout, it has two horn-like growths, one behind the other. These are made of solid keratin, in which they differ from the horns of bovids (cattle and their relatives), which are keratin with a bony core, and deer antlers, which are solid bone. The front horn is larger and averages 60 cm (24 in) in length, reaching as much as 150 cm (59 in) but only in females. The White rhinoceros also has a noticeable hump on the back of its neck. Each of the four stumpy feet has three toes. The color of the body ranges from yellowish-brown to slate grey. Its only hair is the ear fringes and tail bristles. White rhinos have a distinctive broad, straight mouth which is used for grazing. Its ears can move independently to pick up sounds, but it depends most of all on its sense of smell. The olfactory passages that are responsible for smell are larger than their entire brain. The White rhinoceros has the widest set of nostrils of any land-based animal.

## Distribution

Nearly the entire population of this species, as much as 98.8%, is concentrated within South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. White rhinos are represented by 2 genetically different sub-species: the Northern White rhino sub-species and the Southern White rhino. The former of these used to inhabit north-central Africa, regions south of the Sahara. Currently, the Northern White rhino subspecies are restricted to the Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The other, Southern White rhino, sub-species is endemic to southern regions of Africa. Preferred types of habitat are grasslands and open savanna woodlands. Overall, White rhinos favor flatland terrains, dominated by bushes. These grazers constantly need areas with grass as well as water to drink and wallow in. Hence, White rhinos are sometimes seen in swampy habitats.

## Behavior

White rhinos are probably the most sociable rhinoceroses, forming groups of up to 14 individuals, although group size is usually smaller. Each group occupies a territory of at least 75-8 sq. km. Their territories vary greatly, depending on the type of habitat as well as the availability of resources. White rhinos are sedentary creatures that rarely venture from their home range. Dominant males of this species lead solitary lives, fiercely defending their territories against intruding males. However, females and juveniles may freely roam through their home ranges. Territorial behavior is displayed by marking such as spreading dung, spraying urine, dragging their feet as well as damaging plants with their horns. White rhinos generally tolerate other species. Although they rarely fight, these mammals may occasionally engage seriously in confrontations, which include displays such as slight horn butting and false charges. The daily procedures of these mammals include mud baths, which help them to cool off and get rid of parasites. Peak hours of their activity differ through seasons: during winter they are diurnal, and in summer seasons they are crepuscular.

## Diet

The White rhino is a herbivorous (graminivorous) mammal and maintains a grass-based diet. The animal can survive 4-5 days without directly drinking water, although it will drink twice a day if possible.

## Reproduction

Little is known about the mating system of White rhinos, although they are suggested to be polygynous. During the reproductive season, females come into males' territories to mate. Dominant, solitary bulls mate with each female for 1-3 weeks. The male and the female spend time chasing each other, clashing horns, and communicating through various calls. After the lapse of this period, the female leaves. White rhinos may mate at any time of year, although they generally do so during the summer and autumn months. A single calf is born after 16 months of gestation. The newborn baby weighs approximately 50 kg. The young rhino is quite active immediately after birth. Weaning occurs within 1-2 years old. At 2-3 years old, the young rhino is kicked away by its mother, who mates again. Males of this species are ready to breed at 10-12 years old, whereas females are earlier - at 6 years of age.

## Population

### Population threats

Unfortunately, these mammals are currently facing population decline along with other African rhinos. The primary threat to this species has been the international rhino horn trade, which led to high numbers of mortality among these animals. There are two main markets for rhinos: the Asian market - primarily, China, Taiwan, and South Korea, where these animals are used in traditional medicine; and the Middle Eastern market, generally, Yemen and Oman, where their horns are highly valued and considered a prized material, from which locals make traditional "jamiyas" - ornately carved handles for ceremonial daggers. And finally, White rhinos suffer from the loss of their natural habitat as a result of development such as agriculture and human settlements.

### Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, as of 31 December 2017, there were an estimated 18,064 White rhinos in the wild. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT), and their numbers today are decreasing.

### Ecological niche

White rhinoceroses are the most important herbivores across their range that graze on vast amounts of grasses, they help to increase the biodiversity of grasses and potentially prevent wildfires. In addition, white rhinoceroses have a mutualistic relationship with several bird species, which feed on the insects, and parasites that are present in the hide and on the back of rhinoceroses.

## Fun Facts

White rhino is the second-largest terrestrial animal around the globe only to the African and Asian elephant.

The full name of rhino is "rhinocero" (translated as 'nose horn'), which is a combination of the Greek words "rhino" (meaning 'nose') and "ceros" (meaning 'horn').

White rhinos are the most commonly found species of their family around the world.

White rhinos are believed to get their name due to a simple misunderstanding since the word "white" in their name is taken from the Afrikaans word for "wide".

The horns of these mammals consist of keratin, from which our hair and nails are made.

The horns of these animals are an important mean of self-defense. They also use this part of their body during fights with rivals or predators. When threatened, group members come together in a circle. Mature animals stand facing outwards, while calves remain at the center of the circle to be protected.

White rhinos have a rather small brain for their body ratio. However, this does not affect their intellectual abilities.

A popular albeit widely discredited theory of the origins of the name "white rhinoceros" is a mistranslation from Dutch to English. The English word "white" is said to have been derived by mistranslation of the Dutch word "wijd", which means "wide" in English. The word "wide" refers to the width of the rhinoceros' mouth. So early English-speaking settlers in South Africa misinterpreted the "wijd" for "white" and the rhino with the wide mouth ended up being called the white rhino and the other one, with the narrow pointed mouth, was called the black rhinoceros.