White Rhinoceros

Mammal. The white rhinoceros is the second largest land mammal in the world, after the elephant. White rhinos can weigh over 2,000 kilograms (2 tons) and stand as tall as 1.8 meters (6 feet). There were once over 30 species of rhino, but today there are only five and all are endangered. White rhinoceros are calmer and more sociable than other species of rhino, and they often live in small, territorial groups. Females and juveniles are rarely alone. Rhinos communicate using a wide variety of sounds, including grunts, growls, snorts, squeaks and bellows. Because of their hump, white rhinos cannot swim.

Scientific Name

Lifespan

Ceratotherium simum

35 to 40 years

Diet

Herbivore. Grasses.

Predators and Threats

Humans.

Habitat

Grassland, open areas; Southern Africa.