Southern white rhinoceros
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With their huge size, armoured looking skin and horned snout, the rhinoceros is almost dinosaur like in its appearance. Living in the savannahs of Africa, and in the tropical and sub-tropical forests and swampy grasslands of Asia, there are 5 different species of rhino, 3 of which are critically endangered.
Despite their fearsome appearance, rhinos are generally quite timid creatures and spend most of their day grazing for the large daily intake of grass, stems and branches required to support them.
They may look heavy and awkward but rhinos can actually charge at speeds of up to 28 mph. With famously poor eyesight though, there’s no guarantee they can see what they’re charging at!
Conservation status | Near threatened
Fact Sheet
Scientific name
Ceratotherium simum simum
Family
Rhinocerotidae
Order
Perissodactyla
Lifespan
25 to 45 years