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Rhinos
Very few rhinos now survive outside protected areas
Common Name: Rhinoceros; Rhinocéros (Fr); Rinoceronte (Sp)
Location: Southern Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Western Africa, South Asia, South East Asia
Background
© WWF-Canon / Frederick J. WEYERHAEUSER
Rhinos once roamed throughout Eurasia and Africa, and were known to early Europeans who depicted them in cave paintings. Within historical times, rhinos were still widespread in the African savannas and the tropical forests of Asia.
Today however, very few rhinos now survive outside national parks and reserves.
There are five species of rhino, three species are found in Asia and two are found in Africa.
Javan, Sumatran and Indian rhinos are found in Asia. Both the Javan and Sumatran rhinos are listed on IUCN’s Red List as critically endangered and the Indian rhino is listed as endangered. There are two distinct subspecies of Javan rhino, one lives in Vietnam and the other on the Indonesian island of Java.
Black rhino and white rhino are found in Africa. There are two subspecies of white rhino, the southern white rhino is now most abundant rhino in the world and is listed as endangered. The northern white rhino is critically endangered. There are four subspecies of the critically endangered black rhino, eastern, southwestern, southern central and western. The western subspecies is thought to be extinct.
Some populations are increasing
There are success stories: the southern white rhino and the Indian rhino are thriving in well-protected sanctuaries, and their numbers are increasing. Indeed, southern white rhinos were once thought to be extinct, but are now classified as Near Threatened. Black rhinos, too, have increased during the past ten years, but total numbers are still a fraction of what they were fifty years ago
WWF tackling threats from all angles
WWF is one of the few organizations attempting to tackle these threats from all angles: strengthening protected areas in Africa and Asia, lobbying to halt the illegal timber trade, and stamping out the illegal trade in horn.
Physical Description
© WWF-Canon / Michel GUNTHER
Rhinoceroses are universally recognized because of their massive bodies, stumpy legs and either one or two dermal horns. In some species, these may be short or altogether not obvious.
Although not inclined to approaching humans, rhinos may exhibit bursts of aggressiveness. Fortunately for their enemies, their poor eyesight prevents them from making targeted attacks. Their sense of smell and hearing however is well developed.
Dung deposited by rhinos marks their territory. During the day the species may rest several kilometers from their waterholes under dense cover, and only in the evening, through the night, and in the early morning do they become active. Rhinos are known to sleep both standing and lying on the ground and are fond of wallowing in muddy pools and sandy river-beds.
Habitat
Biogeographic realm
Afro-tropical, Indo-Malayan
Geographical Location
Southern Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Western Africa, South Asia, South East Asia
Interesting Facts
Egrets and other birds can be found with rhinos, feeding on the species external parasites.
Black Rhinoceros
- Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Deserts and Xeric Shrublands
- Location: Eastern, central, western and southern Africa
- Population: Approximately 3,725 individuals
Borneo Sumatran Rhinoceros
- Habitat: Dense highland and lowland tropical and sub-tropical forests
- Location: Northern Borneo
- Population: Perhaps fewer than 25
Indian Rhinoceros
- Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
- Location: Southern Asia, northern margin of the Indian subcontinent adjacent to the southern slope of the Himalayas
- Population: Around 2,400 individuals
Javan Rhinoceros
- Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
- Location: Western Indonesia, Eastern Indochina
- Population: 28-56 in Ujung Kulon National Park, Java, Indonesia; no more than 8 in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam
Northern White Rhinoceros
Southern White Rhinoceros
- Habitat: Montane Grasslands and Shrublands
- Location: Southern Africa
- Population: About 14,538 individuals
White Rhinoceros
- Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas and Shrublands
- Location: Central and Southern Africa
- Population: Around 14,538
