This WORLD RHINO DAY, get to know our planet’s five rhino species.
From Borneo to Zimbabwe, rhinos are a surprisingly versatile species which roam a vast area of our Earth. Discover more about all five species — the black, white, one-horned, Sumatran, and Javan rhinos.
Black Rhino
- Subspecies: Southern Central, Eastern, South Western, Western
- Location: Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe
- Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, Deserts
- Population: 6,195
- Status: Critically endangered
- Fun fact: These rhinos can run as fast as 55 km/h (34 mph).
The smallest African rhino species, the black rhino is a gentle two-horned creature weighing up to 1,350 kg (~3,000 lbs) for males and 900 kg (~2,000 lbs) for females. Despite their poor eyesight, they typically forage for food when the sun goes down, preferring to eat from vegetation above ground, which is possible because of their distinguishing hooked lip. Contrary to previous thought, the social behavior of black rhinos varies. Female rhinos are typically social animals; taking care of their calves until they are three years old. Whereas, male rhinos tend to prefer solitude — but occasionally enjoy making friends.
Check out more black rhino facts here.
White Rhino
- Subspecies: Southern, Northern
- Location: South Africa; Translocated populations in Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe
- Habitat: Savannah
- Population: 15,942
- Status: Critically endangered
- Fun fact: These rhinos have a square mouth making them efficient mowers.
The white rhino is distinctive for being the largest species of rhinoceros in the world — male white rhinos can weigh up to 3,592 kg (~8,000 lbs). White rhinos typically have a larger head which allows them to graze, no hair, and two horns. They are semi-social creatures, and have been observed forming stable groups (crashes) up to 15 rhinoceroses large. Their daily activities include spending hours enjoying luxurious mud baths; creating a thick coating of mud on their skin that serves as an insect repellent and sun protection. Once thought to be completely extinct before 1895, the southern white rhino has made a relatively strong comeback. But the same cannot be said for the northern white rhino; there are only two left in existence, Najin and Fatu.
Check out more white rhino facts here.
Great One-Horned Rhino
- Location: Nepal, Pakistan, and India
- Habitat: Swamps, forests and riversides
- Population: 4,014
- Status: Vulnerable
- Fun fact: These rhinos use 12 different communication sounds.
Hence their name, these rhinos, also known as Indian rhinos, only have one horn. One-horned rhinos are the second largest rhinos in the world, and can weigh up to 2,721 kg (~6,000 lbs). But despite their size, these armor-skinned creatures are rather agile and semi-aquatic, capable of crossing rivers, unlike some of their other kin. One-horned rhinos prefer to be alone, with the exception of female rhinos, who stay with their calves until they've matured. Unfortunately, one-horned are poached for their horns, as they are believed to be valuable for medicine.
Check out more great one-horned rhino facts here.
Sumatran Rhino
- Location: Sumatra and Borneo
- Habitat: Tropical forests
- Population: Less than 80
- Status: Critically endangered
- Fun fact: These rhinos descended from wooly rhinos.
Sumatran rhinos are unique for both their small stature and appearance — they’re covered in hair and weigh just under 1,000 kg (~2,200 lbs). They are excellent climbers and their sharp horns allow them to break through dense vegetation. Sumatran rhinos are solitary; preferring to be on their own unless they are raising a calf. They love to take mud baths, which acts as a coolant and protects their skin from the sun, and seek out salt licks to gain vital nutrients. Since Sumatran rhinos have such low numbers in the wild, captive breeding programs have been initiated in order to increase their birth rates.
Check out more great Sumatran rhino facts here.
Javan Rhino
- Location: Java
- Habitat: Tropical landscapes
- Population: Less than 80
- Status: Critically endangered
- Fun fact: Rather than sound, these quiet rhinos communicate with smell.
Their skin bears a mosaic pattern and gives the appearance of armor — but that’s not enough to protect them from the threats they face from poaching and habitat loss. The Javan rhino is one of the world’s most endangered large mammal.
Check out more Javan rhino facts here.
While each is unique, all rhinos face similar threats — poaching and habitat loss — and nearly all are ENDANGERED. Funding is urgently needed to support captive breeding programs and habitat preservation.
Get the facts from VAKOVAKO this WORLD RHINO DAY, and donate now to make an impact.
