Page 94 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

92  WILD SOUTH AFRIC A

Rhinoceros

With their armoured hide, massive bulk and fearsome
horns, the world’s five surviving rhino species represent
one of the most ancient and impressive branches of the
ungulate line. Sadly, all three Asian species are on the
danger list, while their African counterparts are still in
tentative recovery from the critical population declines
that occurred during the 20th century. It is no exagger­
ation to say that South Africa stands at the forefront of
rhino conservation – some 75 per cent of the world’s
surviving rhinos are protected within its borders.

The rhino and oxpecker were long
thought to have had a symbiotic relationship,
with the birds cleansing the rhino’s skin of
ticks and other pests. It is now known that
oxpeckers also suck blood from cuts and
wounds in their host’s hide.
Family and Breeding
Adult rhinos are essentially solitary creatures,
though not especially territorial. Both sexes are
aggressive towards unfamiliar individuals but
equable towards rhinos with neighbouring or
over-lapping territories, sometimes even pairing off
temporarily. The bond between mother and calf,
however, is more enduring. Courtship between rhinos
is a protracted affair. In the case of the black rhino, the
The bond between mother and calf is female scrapes her territorial dung piles vigorously, and
generally strong and lasts for 3–4 years. During the first male to pick up the scent trails behind her, trying
the first 12 months, the calf is vulnerable to to cover it up with his own faeces. Prior to mating, the
predation from lions and hyenas, and is pair often indulge in noisy mock-sparring. Once the male
protected aggressively by its mother. The is accepted, the two stay together for days or even
female will eventually terminate the relation- weeks. A single calf weighing up to 50 kg (110 lb) is born
ship once another birth is imminent. 15–16 months later, and is fully mobile within days.

What You Might See
Black rhinos are reclusive animals that
feed in thick bush. Most safari-goers
consider themselves lucky to see one
in the wild. White rhinos are more
numerous, and easier to spot in the
grasslands where they feed. Visitors may
occasionally locate a mother and calf, An adult male defecates Rhinos enjoy wallowing
or a few adults assembled at a wallow. at a communal dung post, in mud, the colour of
Black rhinos tend to charge when signal ling his passing to which often alters their
disturbed; white rhinos are more passive. other rhinos. own appearance.

IUCN status CE: Critically Endangered; VU: Vulnerable

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