![]() These birds act as sentinels and feed on a wide variety of parasites on the backs of the rhinos. Rhinos have developed a special relationship with birds such as the oxpecker, egret, and bee-eater, which is referred to as commensalism (both organisms receive some benefit from the relationship). This is especially important during hot weather for purposes of thermoregulation and for ridding the body of ectoparasites. Like all species of rhinoceros they love wallowing in mud holes to cool down. During the middle of the day, they wallow or rest in the shade. Rhinos are generally active in the early morning, late afternoon, and evening. White rhinos live for approximately 40-50 years. Females reach sexual maturity at six to seven years of age while males reach sexual maturity between ten and twelve years of age. Young rhinos stay with their mothers for two to three years, leaving only when the mother chases them off before giving birth to the next calf. During any such confrontations the calf will stand behind or to the side of its mother until danger has passed. Rhino mothers are very protective of their calves and will fight vigorously for them. Calves generally lead their mothers and determine the direction of travel. They suckle at any opportunity, and though they begin eating greens when they are only one week old, they will continue to nurse for over 12 months. Newborn calves are on their feet in just a few hours after birth, but are unsteady for their first 2 to 3 days of life. A single calf is born after a gestation period of 16 months. Breeding pairs will stay together for between 5 and 20 days before they part and go their separate ways. The female curls her tail and gets into a stiff stance when ready to mate. If the female tries to leave his territory he will chase and/or block the way while squealing or wailing loudly. The male will give out a call when approaching a female, but if she acts aggressively he will stay away. During courtship, the pair often chase, clash horns, and vocalize with each other. A form of courtship ensues, and courtship itself is often fierce. Before mating, bulls may fight over females in estrous. A dominant male usually tolerates the presence of several subordinate males within his territory and also allows females to wander freely through the area. Boundaries of individual territories often overlap. Territorial bulls mark and patrol the boundaries of their areas and challenge any intruding adult males. Females and young associate in groups, while adult males are territorial and essentially solitary. ![]() The white rhino has a complex social structure. They have not been seen recently and this subspecies may have become extinct in the wild. In the past few years only four have been sighted in the Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The northern species, Ceratotherium simum cottoni, has not faired nearly as well. They have been introduced outside of their former range to Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. A small population survives in Mozambique. There are smaller, reintroduced populations within its former range in Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Sizeable populations are found in various national parks, state protected areas, and private reserves. In the early 20th century, white rhinos were almost at the edge of extinction, but, after years of protection and many translocations, they have made a substantial comeback. South Africa remains the stronghold for the southern species, Ceratotherium simum simum. Two subspecies of white rhinoceros are recognized, the northern and the southern. Short thick legs end on broad three-toed feet. They have very little hair except for ear fringes, eyelashes, and tail bristles with a few hairs intermittently scattered on the body. Colouration is a slate gray or yellowish-brown (not white). ![]() The ears are long, and they pivot freely. The white rhino has no front teeth (incisors) cheek teeth are high, broad, and strongly serrated. The name white rhino is derived from the Afrikaan word "wyt" meaning wide, referring to the broad square upper-lipped mouth that distinguishes it from the black rhino. They have two medial horns on the snout, one behind the other, the front horn being longer. The head is very long and carried low to the ground. They have a noticeable muscular hump on the back of the neck which supports the large head. They have massive bodies, short necks, and broad chests. The white rhino is the largest living land animal after the elephant (giraffes are taller but weigh less).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |