White Rhino Flashcards
what is the largest and most numerous species of rhinoceros?
The white rhino.
What are the two main differences between the white rhino and the black rhino?
It is larger and has a square lip, whereas the black rhino has a pointed lip.
True or false, the white rhino is the most social rhino.
True.
What is the conservation status of the white rhino?
Near threatened.
Why is it called the white rhinoceros if all the rhinos are gray?
It is thought that the Dutch word for “wide” (referring to the rhino’s lip) was misinterpreted by the English as “white”. It may also come from the rhinos wallowing in soil rich with calcium.
What are the two species of white rhino?
The northern white rhino and the southern white rhino.
True or false, the number of all southern white rhinos outnumbers the combined populations of every other rhino species.
True.
Why is it hard to have more than one generation of white rhino?
Captive born individuals have very low rates of breeding.
True or false, the northern white rhino is less common than the southern white rhino.
True. It is extinct in the wild.
How long and tall does a white rhino get?
12 to 13 feet long
6 feet tall
Males are larger
How heavy does a white rhino get?
3,000 to 8,000 pounds
How much did the largest white rhino ever weigh?
9,900 pounds
How long does the horn of a white rhino get?
35 - 60 inches
True or false, the white rhino has smaller nostrils than the elephant.
False. It has the largest nostrils of any land animal.
What is the range of the white rhinoceros?
It is found in savannas and grasslands in southern Africa.
What do white rhinos eat?
Grass.
How do rhinos cool down?
They wallow in mud.
How do white rhinos communicate vocally?
They pant, snort, grunt, squeal, and even bellow.
How does a rhino threaten things?
It lowers its head and displays its horn. They also bring their ears back and grunt or squeal.
How fast can white rhinos run?
Up to 31 mph
What is a group of rhinos called?
A crash.
Up to how many rhinos generally live in a group?
14
How do rhinos mark their territory?
With dung piles and urine.
True or false, females and subordinate male white rhinos do not mark or defend territory.
True.
Is the dominant male white rhino of a territory usually found in a herd?
No. He is solitary.
How old are white rhinos when they are sexually mature?
6 - 7 for females
10 - 12 for males
Do white rhinos mate for life?
No, pairs usually only stay together for 5 - 20 days.
What is the gestation period of the white rhino?
16 - 18 months
How heavy are young white rhinos at birth?
88 - 143 pounds
How do young white rhinos defend themselves?
They will run to their mother.
What are some predators of the white rhino?
None except humans. Even calves are rarely attacked because of their tough skin and mother’s presence.
How many white rhinos are left?
Around 17,000 as of 2008
What are some threats to the white rhino?
Habitat loss and poaching.
How many white rhinos are in captivity?
Around 777
The horn of the white rhino is solid keratin. What are the horns of deer, cows, and elephants made of?
Cows: Keratin with a bone core.
Deer: Pure bone.
Elephants: Ivory incisor.
How are people combating rhino poaching?
They are placing harsh penalties on rhino poaching (up to life in prison) and offering bounties for notorious rhino poachers. They are also sawing off the horn themselves to keep poachers from killing the rhino.
