The Southern white rhino was almost hunted to extinction by the end of the 19 th Century with only one small population of approximately 20 – 50 animals remaining in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Only two individuals of this sub-species remain, both female, now living at the Ol Pejeta Conservancyin Kenya. The Northern white rhino is thought to be extinct across its entire former range. Calves remain with their mothers for around 3 years, eventually separating when a new calf is born. Calves normally move in front of their mothers, begin grazing after a few weeks and weaning occurs around 1 year of age. Following a 16-month gestation period, calves are born and able to stand within an hour, immediately trying to suckle. Male white rhinos may be 10 years old before they are ready to breed, whereas females mature around 6 or 7 years old and then may have a calf every 3 years. White rhinos use a surprisingly wide range of vocal communication including contact calls, grunts and snorts, plus higher pitched squeals when distressed, and deep bellows signifying aggression or when threatened. The odour reveals information about age, sex, the territorial status of males and whether females are receptive to breeding. This affords protection but while young rhino calves may be vulnerable to lions Panthera leo and spotted hyaenas Crocuta Crocuta, older animals are generally untroubled by predators.īoth male and female white rhinos advertise their presence using communal dung heaps known as middens. Females and their offspring may congregate in herds of up to a dozen or so animals. Dominant male white rhinos are solitary and territorial but may tolerate the presence of subordinate males.
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