Rhinoceros, white
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Clasificación:
Población Mundial
Descripción E Historia Natural
Descripción FísicaThere are five species of rhinoceros: white (Ceratotherium simum), black (Diceros bicornis), Sumatran (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), Indian (Rhinoceros unicornis) and Javan (Dicerorhinus sondaicus).
The white and black rhinoceroses of Africa, as well as the Sumatran rhinoceros, all have two horns in tandem. The Indian and Javan rhinoceroses have only one.
The white rhinoceros is the largest of the five species weighing 1,800 – 2,700 kilograms (4,000 – 6,000 pounds) and standing 1.5 – 1.8 meters (5 – 6 feet) at the shoulder. Among terrestrial mammals, it is only surpassed in size by the African and Asian elephant.
White rhino males are larger than females. Calves are born weighing 65 kilograms (143 pounds). The white rhinoceros can be differentiated from the black by the longer skull, less sharply defined forehead and more pronounced shoulder hump. The white rhino is also called the "square-lipped rhinoceros" because of its broad, square upper lip, which it uses for grazing. The front horn is larger than the back horn and averages 60 – 150 centimeters (24 – 59 inches) in length.
The white rhinoceros is not actually white, but slate or brownish-gray, like the black rhinoceros. The reference to "white" likely resulted from a mistranslation of the Afrikaner word for "wide" (referring to the wide mouth). The white rhino, like other rhino species, has poor vision but good hearing and a very good sense of smell on which it depends.
Historia Natural
The white rhinoceros is found in the long- and short-grass savannahs and woodlands of southern and central Africa. It requires relatively flat terrain, bush for cover, grass for grazing and water for drinking and wallowing in.
White rhinos have no incisors or canine teeth and use their square lips to graze or browse large areas of grassland.
There are two genetically distinct subspecies of white rhino; the northern white rhino (C.s. cottoni) and the southern white rhino (C.s. simum).
During the 1900s, the northern white rhino occupied many African countries and was more numerous than the southern subspecies. Today the northern white rhino exists only in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The most recent survey in 1997 estimated the population to number only 25 animals.
The southern white rhinoceros used to range through southeastern Angola, central and southern Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, eastern Namibia and northern and eastern South Africa. It was once considered to be extinct until a remnant population was discovered in Natal, South Africa in 1895.
Today it exists mainly in protected areas and private game ranches in southern Africa, especially in the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve in Natal. Small populations have also been reintroduced to Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Some animals have also been introduced in Zambia and Kenya. The introduction of white rhinos into Kenya started in the early 1970s with the importation of 20 animals from South Africa. Today, this population is estimated at about 170 animals, all found in private sanctuaries except about 50 that are found in two national parks. The total population estimate for the southern white rhinoceros was 11,600 in 2001. In 1997, 248 discrete white rhino populations were known to exist.
Adult female white rhinoceroses bear their first calf when they are six or seven years old, after a gestation period of approximately 16 months. A single calf is born about every two to four years. Males reach sexual maturity between ten and twelve years of age. White rhino calves are able to follow their mothers a mere three days after birth, and are often seen running in front of them. The calves are weaned at about one year of age although they may nibble on grasses from the age of three months.
White rhinos have a complex social structure that includes temporary associations of up to 14 individuals, as well as commonly seen smaller groups of mothers and calves.
Males occupy smaller territories than females and, while subordinate males and adult females are free to wander through these territories, dominant males will attempt to keep receptive females from leaving. Breeding pairs may remain together for up to 20 days.
Condición De La Especie
CondiciónThe northern white rhino is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The southern white rhino is listed as Lower Risk; Conservation Dependent.
Both subspecies are also protected under national wildlife legislation in the range states where they are found.
Amenazas para la Especie
The white rhinoceros has suffered a similar fate to the black rhinoceros, being reduced in numbers by hunting, poaching, and loss of habitat.
White rhino horn is used in the ceremonial dagger handles worn by men in Yemen as a status symbol. It is also sold illegally to Asian countries, especially China, the region of Taiwan and South Korea for use in traditional medicines.
Anti-poaching measures have been implemented but are expensive and may be of limited success. Measures to protect rhinos include involving local villagers in conservation efforts, enlisting more guards, and translocating rhinos to safer areas. Civil unrest is a major stumbling block to conservation, as is poverty and corruption.
International Trade
Listed on CITES Appendix I which prohibits international trade.
Authors and Sources
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A white rhino mother and calf. Foto © IFAW/ J. Hrusa
