![]() Although the birds also eat blood from sores on the rhino's skin and thus obstruct healing, they are still tolerated. In Swahili the tick bird is named "askari wa kifaru," meaning "the rhino's guard." The bird eats ticks it finds on the rhino and noisily warns of danger. Did you know? The rhinoceros has a symbiotic relationship with oxpeckers, also called tick birds. Since 1970 the world rhino population has declined by 90 percent, with five species remaining in the world today, all of which are endangered. In recent decades rhinos have been relentlessly hunted to the point of near extinction. ![]() You can help to protect the white rhino by supporting conservation projects, spreading awareness about the threats they face, and refusing to buy products made from rhino horns.The rhinoceros is a large, primitive looking mammal that dates from the Miocene era millions of years ago. So far, this project has released 10 rhinos into Kenyan national parks and it is hoped that this will help to boost the population. This project aims to move white rhinos from zoos back into the wild. One of the most successful projects is the Rhino Repatriation and Conservation Project in Kenya. The white rhino is protected by law in many countries and there are several conservation projects underway to help protect this species. This leads to increased contact between humans and animals, which can often result in conflict.Ĭlimate change is also a threat to the white rhino as it is predicted to cause more extreme weather conditions and reduce the amount of available food. As the human population in Africa continues to grow, there is less space for wildlife. The white rhino is also at risk from habitat loss and conflict with humans. Their horns are valuable on the black market and are used for traditional Asian medicines and ornamental purposes.Ī single horn can be worth up to $300,000! ![]() The biggest threat to the white rhino is poaching. Although their numbers have increased in recent years, they are still at risk of extinction. The white rhino is classified as a near-threatened species by the IUCN. When two males meet, they will often fight for dominance. White rhinos are generally peaceful animals but can become aggressive if they feel threatened. The size of the group depends on the availability of food and water, as well as the presence of other rhino groups in the area. However, groups of females and their calves are the most commonly seen. White rhinos are social animals and live in groups of up to 14 individuals, led by a dominant male. They are most active during the cooler hours of the day and will often spend over half of the day sleeping or resting. White rhinos are semi-aquatic and love wallowing in mud to cool down and protect their skin from the sun. The majority of the white rhino population is found in South Africa with smaller populations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. They used to have a much wider range but due to hunting and habitat loss, they are now restricted to only a few countries in East and Central Africa. White rhinos are found in the Savannah grasslands of Africa. The average lifespan of a white rhino in the wild is around 35 years but they can live for up to 50 years in captivity. The mother will protect her calf for the first few years of its life. When the calf is born, it weighs around 50-60 kg and is almost fully grown. However, twins have been known to occur on occasion. The gestation period for a white rhino is 16 months and they will usually only have one calf at a time. During this time, the males will become increasingly aggressive as they compete for females. ![]() Mating season for white rhinos is usually between June and August. It is thought that their grazing also helps to spread seeds and fertilize the soil with their dung. This benefits other animals who eat grass, as well as the health of the Savannah. Gage Beasley’s Large Rhinoceros Soft Stuffed Plush Toyīecause they are constantly grazing, white rhinos play an important role in the African ecosystem by keeping the grass short.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |