Almost extinct 100 years ago, the southern white rhino is now relatively secure thanks to successful conservation efforts.
Southern white rhinoceros
White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) drinking. The animals need to drink every two to three days.
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Key facts
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Common Names
Southern white rhinoceros; Rhinocéros blanc du Sud (Fr); Rinoceronte (Sp)
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Scientific Name
Ceratotherium simum simum
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Location
Southern Africa
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Status
Near Threatened
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Population
20,000
Help Africa's rhinos
Make a donation towards much-needed anti-poaching equipment and support for rangers across Africa.
Once thought extinct, now faring well
Previous population & distributionSouthern white rhinos once ranged across Southern Africa. In the face of colonization, the subspecies suffered the earliest decline of all African rhinos.
In the late 19th century, it was considered extinct. However, in 1895 a small population of less than 100 individuals was discovered in the Umfolozi-Hluhluwe region in Natal, South Africa.
Current population & distribution
After more than a century of protection, southern white rhinos now number about 20,000, confined to protected areas and private ranches. Classified as Near Threatened, they are now the only non-endangered rhinos.
South Africa remains the stronghold for these rhinos, with smaller populations having been re-introduced to Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Southern white rhinos have also been introduced to Kenya, Zambia, and Cote d’Ivoire.
Size
The southern white rhino is the heaviest of the two white rhino subspecies, weighing up to 4,000 kg.Habitat
Major habitat type
Montane Grasslands and Shrublands
Biogeographic realm
Afrotropical
Range States
South Africa, Botswana (re-introduced), Namibia (re-introduced), Swaziland (re-introduced), Zimbabwe(re-introduced), Kenya (introduced), Zambia (introduced), and Cote d’Ivoire (introduced)
Geographical Location
Southern Africa
Ecological Region
Central and Eastern Miombo Woodlands, Southern Rift Montane Woodlands, Namib-Karoo-Kaokoveld Deserts
Montane Grasslands and Shrublands
Biogeographic realm
Afrotropical
Range States
South Africa, Botswana (re-introduced), Namibia (re-introduced), Swaziland (re-introduced), Zimbabwe(re-introduced), Kenya (introduced), Zambia (introduced), and Cote d’Ivoire (introduced)
Geographical Location
Southern Africa
Ecological Region
Central and Eastern Miombo Woodlands, Southern Rift Montane Woodlands, Namib-Karoo-Kaokoveld Deserts
How you can help
- Don't buy rhino horn products! Illegal trade in rhino horn is a continuing problem, posing one of the greatest threats to rhinos today.
- Donate towards much-needed anti-poaching equipment and support for rangers across Africa.
South Africans / Residents of other countries
Donations will go towards:
- binoculars
- radios
- night-vision gear
- bullet-proof armour
- rhino tracking
- camping equipment
- training for guards
- Spread the word! Click on the button to share this information with others via email or your favourite social networking service.
Get involved in the WWF Rhino Campaign
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