RHINOS WHITE AND BLACK

There are two types of rhinoceros in southern Africa: the square-lipped or white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), as seen below, and the hook-lipped or black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). From their earlier widespread occurrence across Africa, both white and black rhinos’ numbers have been severely impacted by poaching and they are now restricted to a fraction of their original distribution, mostly on game reserves. This account deals principally with rhinos re-introduced to three game reserves in the Western Cape, and all are white rhinos.

RHINO FACTS

• There are five rhino species: the Indian, Sumatran (the smallest), Javan, and African black and white rhinos.
• The last rhino in southern Java was shot in 1934; however, 20–40 animals remain in West Java.
• The last captive Javan rhino died in Adelaide Zoo in 1907.
• The name rhinoceros comes from the Greek rhino (nose) and ceros (horn).
• A group of rhinos is called a crash.
• Rhinos have been on planet Earth for over 50 million years.
• The white rhino is the second largest land species after the elephant.
• Rhinos are related to horses and zebras.
• Depending on the species, rhinos live for between 30 and 60 years.
• White rhinos have a shoulder height of up to 1.8m.
• White rhinos can weigh up to approximately 3,000kg.
• White rhinos can run at speeds of up to 40km per hour.
• Rhinos leave piles of dung as messages for other rhinos.
• Rhinos are herbivores (vegetarians).
• The gestation period for rhinos is 15–16 months.
• White rhino calves weigh 45–65kg at birth.
• Rhino horn is made of keratin.
• Rhino horn will regrow at a rate of 6–10cm per annum.
• Rhino horn is now worth more than gold at over $65,000 per kilogram.
• Humans are the rhino’s most dangerous predators.

The view across the Fairy Glen reserve