White Rhinoceros are a species that once bordered on the edge of extinction, but today enjoys an ever widening area of distribution. They are characterized by the outgrowths on the top of their muzzles. These outgrowths are made up of a mass of tubular hair and are not attached to the skull at all. The name White Rhinoceros is an Anglicization of the original Dutch name, Wide Lip Rhinoceros, which translated means Wide Lipped Rhinoceros, referring to the wide square lip of this grazing animal. They are generally found in solitary or in small groups. They are fond of short grass and are often fond in open areas.
Appearance:
The White Rhino is the third largest land mammal. Massive, stocky, and with a reputation of being not quite as aggressive as the Black Rhino. The two distinctive horns are in fact very densely packed fibers, and materially not really horns. The record horn length is 1.58 m. Bulls, weighing up to 2 000 kg, are larger than cows which weigh up to 1 800 kg.
Bulls are 1.8 m at the shoulders. The grey skin is almost hairless. They have a square-shaped, wide mouth. White Rhinos have a hump on the neck. The penis points backwards and testes are located abdominally.
Diet:
The White Rhino is strictly a grazer. Favoring short grass, but will feed on taller grass when short grass is not available. The wide mouth enables adequate intake with each plug harvested with the upper and lower lips.
Breeding:
Even though most conceptions take place during the wet season, this huge mammal is not a strict seasonal breeder. Calves are born early in the dry season after a gestation period of 16 months, and stays with their mothers for a period of two to three years, until she gives birth to her next calve. Cows starts breeding at about eight years and bulls reach sexual maturity at 10-12 years. During mating, sexual activity can last more than an hour.
Behavior:
In spite of their bulk and short stubby legs, White Rhino can run remarkably fast, but only for very short distances. Dominant territorial bulls occupy mutually exclusive areas of two to five square kilometers, but one or more subordinate bulls may share the territory. Female ranges may overlap those of several bull territories. A territorial bull will attempt to confine a receptive cow to his territory, and will join her for five to ten days prior to mating.
Where they are found:
Formerly widely distributed throughout the bushveld regions of South Africa. In the 19th century it was exterminated by hunters, except in KwaZulu-Natals Umfolozi region. Although now thriving where it has been re-introduced into parts of its former region, it still suffers from poaching.
White Rhino featured in the following areas:
Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve, Ben Alberts Reserve, Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve, Botsalano Game Reserve, Chobe Park, Gona-re-zhou Reserve, Hlane Reserve, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park, Hwange National Park, Ithala Reserve, Kruger Park, Lapalala Reserve, Loskopdam Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve, Makalali Reserve, Mala Mala, Manyeleti Reserve, Maputo Elephant Park, Marakele Reserve, Milwane Reserve, Moremi Reserve, Ndumo Reserve, Nyala Ranch Reserve, Pilanesberg National Park, Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, St Lucia Wetlands Reserve, Vaalbos National Park, Weenen Reserve
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Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za