header: White Rhinoceros
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Ceratotherium simum (Burchell, 1817)

INTRODUCTION

Two extant subspecies of White Rhinoceros are recognised:

C.s. cottoni (Burchell, 1817)
C.s. simum Lydekker, 1908

Northern White Rhinoceros
Southern White Rhinoceros

The White Rhinoceros has probably received its common name due to the mistaken translation of the Boer word 'wijde' for wide, which refers to the broad square lips of the species.7 Yellowish brown to slaty grey in coloration , the White Rhino is hairless except for the ear fringes and tail bristles. This species has two horns, the front horn averages 60 cm in length but can occasionally reach 150 cm. The White Rhinoceros can be distinguished from the Black Rhino Diceros bicor nis, primarily by the upper lip which is squared not pointed, the more sloping and less sharply defined forehead, and shoulder hump.10 The species primarily inhabits savannah and woodland interspersed with grassy openings. T he White Rhino appears to require the following: thick bush cover, relatively flat terrain, water for drinking and wallowing, and short grass for grazing.10


Map


This rhinoceros appears to have the most complex social structure among rhinos. Temporary associations of up to 14 individuals have been observed and smaller associations, particularly of several females and calves, are common. Adult males occupy territor ies of 1-3 km2 whilst adult females have home ranges of 6-20 km2 depending on the quality of habitat. Subordinate males and females may wander freely through the dominant males territory, howev er the dominant male will try to prevent oestrus females from leaving.10 Breeding pairs form temporary associations for up to 20 days. Mating occurs throughout the year although peaks have been observed from October to Decem ber in South Africa and from February to June in East Africa. Females reach sexual maturity between 4 and 5 years but do not reproduce until they reach 6.5 to 7 years. In contrast, males tend not to mate until they are between 10 and 12 years. The gestati on period is approximately 16 months with a period of 2 to 3 years between calves.10

The species is globally threatened, most recently categorised as 'Vulnerable'. The northern subspecies is listed separately by IUCN as 'Endangered'.


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