Description:
The white rhino is the largest of the five living species of rhino, and in contrast to the black rhino, has a hump on the back of its neck and a distinctive square lip. There are two subspecies: the southern white rhino and the northern white rhino, which is almost certainly extinct in the wild.
(c) Daryl & Sharna Balfour 2008
Key facts
Population:
Diet:
Habitat:
White rhinos can be found in grasslands, shrublands and savannah.
Range:
White rhinos are found across 11 countries in Africa, with the majority of southern white rhinos occurring in just four countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
© Peter Chadwick
© Philip Carter
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy - Kenya © Jecca Craig
Threats
White rhinos are threatened by poaching for their horns, which are ground into a fine powder and used as alternative medicine, or used historically for dagger handles or ornaments. Habitat loss is the second biggest threat to rhinos, with climate change becoming an increasing threat. Drought, competition over water, and increases in wildfires due to dry landscapes can all have devastating effects on human and rhino habitats.
Conservation
Tusk supports anti-poaching efforts in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya who safeguard and monitor rhinos from poaching.
Learn more about the projects
White rhinos are threatened by poaching for their horns, which are ground into a fine powder and used as alternative medicine, or used historically for dagger handles or ornaments. Habitat loss is the second biggest threat to rhinos, with climate change becoming an increasing threat. Drought, competition over water, and increases in wildfires due to dry landscapes can all have devastating effects on human and rhino habitats.
Conservation
Tusk supports anti-poaching efforts in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya who safeguard and monitor rhinos from poaching.