White rhinoceros

Ceratotherium simum

The white rhinoceros is one of the largest living terrestrial mammals. Despite its name, its skin is grey. It is distinguished by its impressive size, two nasal horns, and massive build. It is the second largest rhino species after the Indian rhinoce...

Near threatened (NT)

IUCN Red List, most recent assessment.

See all species

Overview Characteristics Habitat Behaviour Threats

Presentation

The white rhinoceros has two blackish or greyish nasal horns, with the front one being longer than the second. Its massive body rests on four thick and powerful legs. Its thick grey skin bears deep folds, especially on the shoulders and flanks. It has a large elongated head with a characteristic squared muzzle.

Characteristics

ClassMammalia

OrderPerissodactyla

Size3.7 – 4.2 m

Weight1 800 – 2 300 kg

Lifespan40 – 50 years

DietHerbivore

DomesticationWild

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The white rhinoceros inhabits open savannas and grassy plains of southern Africa. It prefers areas with abundant herbaceous vegetation and regular access to water. It is found in national parks and protected reserves, where it coexists with other large herbivores such as zebras and wildebeest.

Savanna

ContinentAfrica

Present in TunisiaNo

CURRENT RANGE

The white rhinoceros is endemic to southern Africa, primarily found in South Africa and Namibia. Historically, its range covered a vast region, but it has significantly contracted. The majority of the population survives in a few major protected reserves, notably Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Behaviour

The white rhinoceros is generally docile and peaceful, but can become aggressive if it feels threatened. It often lives in groups formed by females and young, while males are usually solitary or territorial. It is most active in early morning and late afternoon, resting during the hottest hours.

Reproduction

The female white rhinoceros reaches sexual maturity around 6-7 years of age. After mating, the gestation period lasts approximately 16 months, resulting in a single calf. The young stays with its mother for 2-3 years before becoming independent.

Peculiarities

The white rhinoceros is the largest of the five current rhinoceros species. Its squared lower lip distinguishes it from the black rhinoceros, which has a pointed lip. It has excellent olfaction but relatively poor vision. The horns of the white rhinoceros contain no bone but are made of keratin, like human nails.

Threats and conservation

The white rhinoceros is primarily threatened by poaching, driven by demand for its horns in traditional Asian medicine. Habitat loss and population fragmentation also worsen the situation. Its Near-Threatened status reflects the recent population improvement after decades of intensive hunting, although significant challenges remain.

Numbers and trends vary across sources and regions. See the IUCN assessment for the latest reference data.