Animal Profiles - The "Big 5" - Rhino

Black (Hook-lipped) Rhino (l)  and  White (Square-lipped) Rhino (r)

Southern Africa has 2 rhino species that we may be really lucky to see whilst on safari in our national parks.

The original "Big 5", the term originating from the hunting community, listed the Black Rhino.  

This was basically because the White Rhino was driven to the brink of extinction by the end of the 19th century and only existed in tiny numbers in 1 or 2 locations in southern Africa.

However, successful conservation and protection of that tiny population of White Rhino in Kwa-Zulu Natal ultimately led to significant numbers of White Rhino being trans-located and re-introduced into conservation areas in their former ranges (and outside those in some cases).

Increasing eco-tourism led to safari promoters using the term "Big 5" as a catch phrase for the quintessential African safari. And this list uses the White Rhino. 

Basically because it is easier to find!!

Black Rhino (top)  and  White Rhino (bottom)

I can count on 2 hands the number of times I've seen black rhino on safari, whereas it's probably 3-4 out of every 5 safaris that we see white rhino.

Black Rhino browse (eating leaf & twigs) and therefore usually live in thick bush, are more often solitary, shy, aggressive and unpredictable.

As a result, they are hard to find and estimates of their numbers vary widely.

It's always a wonderful surprise to spot one.

Of course - they're not always in thick bush (or solitary) - it depends on the area.

These black rhino are in a semi-arid area - still browsing - but on the low level shrubby vegetation....

A "crash" of white rhino

White Rhino are grazers (eat grass) and are often found in more open savannah. However, as long as there is abundant grass one can also find them in thicker bush.

Female white rhino and sub-adult calf

In my experience, white rhino with the really long front horns are older females.

Female white rhino and calf

One of the theories behind this is that females don't compete (clash horns) for territory/dominance, don't regularly sharpen their horns, thereby wearing them down......

white rhino calf

white rhino calf with oxpecker

Of course, horn length can also be used as a very rough indication of age (in combination with body size of course!).

young adult white rhino with oxpecker

 Otherwise, although adult, mature male white rhinos are the largest individuals (1.8m high at the shoulder) it is very difficult to tell the males & females apart.

And that bird that you almost always see at least one of on a rhino..... ?

It's the red-billed ox-pecker, keeping itself fed on, and the rhino clean of, skin parasites like ticks.  They also act as an alarm system, flying off and calling loudly when other large animals approach.