Southern White Rhino

White Rhinos are the largest species of Rhino and the second-largest land mammal, surpassed by the elephant.
Characterized by having the skull elongated with broadly square lips, a hump on the neck, pointed ears and by having two horns that grow on the snout. The body is barrel-shaped with hard gray skin color.

They are territorial animals and mark the territory through urine and feces, usually at the border of the territory. Smell and hearing are the most acute senses, with poor vision. They walk with their heads down and nostrils close to the ground, except when they feel threatened or on alert, when they raise their heads. White Rhinos can run at speeds of 24 km / h and reach 40 km / h for short periods. Horns are used as weapons against predators and for displays of dominance and threat in contact with other Rhinos.

The Conservation of the White Rhino is one of the most notable achievements in the world. In 1930 there were an estimated 200 individuals and strict protection was implemented. Currently, the population is 19,600 to 21,000 individuals. However, poaching for the illegal supply of horns remains a dangerous threat and, without the help of conservation programs, the rhino population would fall.
The IUCN SSC African Group of Rhino Specialists is the coordinating body for its conservation in Africa. Save the Rhino, WWF and the International Rhino Foundation are important conservation partners.
The species has been managed by the EEP program in zoos belonging to the EAZA since 1992, contributing to the increase from 132 to 335 individuals (2019).