Southern White Rhinoceros
The southern square-lipped rhinoceros is the most abundant species of rhinoceros in the world and South Africa is home to 93% of its population. The white rhino is the largest species of rhino; females can weigh 3,700 pounds, while males can typically weigh over 5,000 pounds. They have two horns on their snouts, one much longer than the other. Males typically have larger horns. A large hump on the top of their necks supports their large heads. Most body hair is found in the ears and bristly tail.
At the beginning of the twentieth century the southern white rhino was one of the most endangered species in the world. Less than twenty individuals lived in South African reserve. Over the course of the last century, however, the population has slow come back. Now it is estimated that around 20,000 of the animals live and graze in Southern Africa, with about 19,000 of these residing in South Africa. This rhinoceros species is no longer considered threatened, though there are still dangers to their status, most notably the loss of their natural habitats.
