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Southern white rhinoceros

Ceratotherium simum simum

The Southern white rhinoceros is a large, gentle giant with a big horn on its nose. They live in groups and love to munch on grass in the sunny savannas of Africa.

Habitat: Savannas

Appearance

The Southern white rhinoceros has a massive, grey, bald body with a distinctive broad, square lip perfect for grazing. It features two prominent horns on its snout, with the front horn being significantly longer than the back one.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderPerissodactylaFamilyRhinocerotidaeGenusCeratotherium
Southern white rhinoceros
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Southern white rhinoceros

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Rare

Danger

4/5 · High

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A group of rhinos is called a 'crash'—imagine that!

Their mighty horns are made of keratin, the same stuff as your fingernails!

These 'white' rhinos are actually grey and love to roll in mud for sunscreen!

They are the second-largest land mammal on Earth, after elephants!

Special abilities

Ability

Sharp Sense of Smell

Southern white rhinoceros can detect predators from afar because of their super sense of smell, compensating for poor eyesight.

Ability

Powerful Grazer

Southern white rhinoceros has a wide, square lip that helps them efficiently snip vast amounts of short grasses for food.

Ability

Thick Skin Shield

Southern white rhinoceros has incredibly thick skin that protects them from thorny plants and the sun's harsh rays.

Ability

Rapid Charger

Southern white rhinoceros can run surprisingly fast despite their size, helping them escape danger when needed.

Measurements & details

Length
340-420 cm
Weight
1400-3600 kg
Lifespan
40-50 years
Top Speed
48 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
450-480 days

Diet & Feeding

These massive herbivores primarily graze on short grasses to fuel their enormous bodies throughout the day.

Primary Foods

  • Short grasses
  • Fresh shoots
  • Herbs

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

Lion cubs may prey on very young rhino calves.

symbiotic with

Red-billed Oxpecker

Buphagus erythrorhynchus

Birds eat ticks off rhino skin, a mutually beneficial cleaning.

depends on

Red Grass

Themeda triandra

A key grass species forming a major part of their diet.

eaten by

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

Hyena clans may target weak or very young calves.

Traits

Also known as

White Rhino

Collections

Safety

Danger

4/5 · High

Always watch from a safe distance and never approach wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Southern white rhinoceros?

340-420 cm

How much does Southern white rhinoceros weigh?

1400-3600 kg

How long does Southern white rhinoceros live?

40-50 years

How fast can Southern white rhinoceros move?

48 km/h

What does Southern white rhinoceros eat?

These massive herbivores primarily graze on short grasses to fuel their enormous bodies throughout the day.

Where is Southern white rhinoceros usually found?

Savannas

How does Southern white rhinoceros hunt?

Grazing

How many babies does Southern white rhinoceros usually have?

1

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