The White rhinoceros (or Rhino for short) is found in Southern Africa. Male Rhinos can reach a body length of 4m,
The White rhinoceros (or Rhino for short) is found in Southern Africa. Male Rhinos can reach a body length of 4m, stand 1¾m tall and weigh up to 2,300kg! The females are slightly smaller. Like all Rhinos they have short, stout legs to support their great weight and thick skin, which is folded giving them an armoured appearance. They have a relatively long skull and broad lips, unlike the Black rhinos which have a prehensile (grasping) upper lip. The difference in lip shape reflects their diet; the White rhino is a grazer whilst the Black rhino prefers branches. Like all species of rhino, the White rhino has poor vision so relies on detecting movement, smell and their hearing. They can swivel their ears to pick up sound and accurately work out the direction of origin. It is their sense of smell that is most important for them to gain information on their surroundings. Rhinos rely on water since they must drink daily and also wallow in mud regularly. The mud, not only cools them, but also helps to protect their skin against mites and biting flies. The White rhino has two horns, the front one is the larger of the two. All Rhinos give birth to just a single offspring. They are mainly solitary animals, apart from when mother and calf are together. White rhinos are the most social of all Rhinos as females without calves sometimes join up forming small groups. White rhinos are endangered in the wild due to excessive poaching for their horn which is believed to have medicinal powers. These animals are part of a European breeding programme (EEP).
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Location: Colchester, Essex, England
Photo credit: © Mark Redsell / Alamy / Afripics
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