Species we protect

Species we protect

African White Rhino

Rhinos were once found throughout Africa but as a result of human activities including poaching and hunting, populations across Africa have plummeted to the brink of extinction.

Today, rhino horn poaching is the main threat facing rhinos as demand has escalated in Asian countries, especially in Vietnam. Despite having no proven medicinal value and made of keratin, rhino horn has long been used in traditional medicines but in recent years, it has been incorrectly touted as a cure for ailments ranging from hangovers to treatment for cancer as well as status symbol.

  • Name: White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum)

  • Age: White rhino can live to the age of 40 years old.

  • Subspecies: Southern White Rhino and Northern White Rhino

  • Population: Over 20,000 White Rhino, 2 Northern White Rhino.

  • Conservation Status: White Rhino - Near Threatened. Northern White Rhino - Functionally Extinct (2 females remain)

  • Countries where White Rhino live: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya

Fun facts

White rhinos are the second largest land mammal after the elephant.

White rhinos are grazers that use their flat lip to cut and eat grass.

Elephant image

White Rhinos they can weigh over 3500kg and are heavier than Black Rhinos.

Despite their size and weight, White Rhinos are surprisingly fast and can run up to 40 km/h for short periods.

Rhinos need our protection now more than ever

  • 2022

    548 rhinos killed for their horns

Knowing the Rhinos

White rhinos have complex social structures and can form groups, notably females with calves. A female’s home range usually overlaps several males’ territories and both sexes uses scent through dung posts to communicate and mark boundaries. White rhinos can also communicate vocally, using a wide range of sounds from calf squeaking to snarling or wailing of adults. Grunting between black rhino groups has also been observed as a form of communication.

Whilst they may be black and white in name, African rhinos are actually grey.

Rhinos can be easily distinguished by the shape of their lips.  A black rhino has a hooked lip whilst a white rhino will have a square lip. Black rhinos have less of a pronounced hump on the back of their necks.

Horns are used by rhinos as weapons during confrontations and for protection. They may also be used during encounters with other rhinos to demonstrate dominance or make a threat display. Whilst rhino calves are both without horns, a stub will appear from the age of one-two months and will continue to grow into a distinctive horn shape throughout a rhino’s lifetime.

The gestation period for a rhino is 15-17 months and at birth, calves can weigh around 30-45kg. Calves will suckle for up to one year and will remain with their mothers for 2-4 years or until a female is ready to calve again.

Rhinos are vital to keeping ecosystems in balance which means by protecting Africa’s rhinos, we protect other species too. As mega-herbivores, white rhinos have been described as ‘selective lawnmowers’ and help maintain grasslands, selectively grazing on certain grass species promoting biodiversity. Black rhinos also eat many woody plants which results in more grasses growing for the benefit of other animals.

Find out how the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is helping Africa's rhinos

Anti-Poaching

Ground teams, accompanied by a canine unit, protect wildlife from illegal activities.

See Project

Mobile Veterinary Units

Six teams and one Sky Vet Unit treat tens of rhino cases each year.

See Project

Saving Habitats

Sustainably managing unique and endangered wild habitats

See Project

Community Outreach

Education program that teaches Kenyan students about conservation

See Project

Aerial Surveillance

Aircraft and helicopters monitor wildlife and identify illegal activity

See Project

Orphans' Project

Rescuing and raising orphaned rhinos for a life back in the wild

See Project