Near Threatened

White Rhino

Ceratotherium simum

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Near Threatened

IUCN Red List status ยท Population stable as of 2023 ยท Est. 17,212 individuals

About the White Rhino

The largest of the five rhino species, the white rhino is a grazer that plays a vital role in maintaining grasslands. While southern white rhinos have recovered from near extinction, they remain targets for poaching.

Region

Southern Africa

Population

17,212

Trend

Stable

Data Year

2023

Key Facts

Weight1,800โ€“2,700 kg
Horn materialKeratin (same as fingernails)
Lifespan40โ€“50 years
SpeedUp to 50 km/h

Habitat Types

GrasslandSavannahBushland

Found In

South AfricaKenyaZimbabweBotswana

Why Africa's Wildlife Matters

Africa's megafauna are not just iconic โ€” they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.

20%

of Earth's bird species in Africa

25%

of mammals found in Africa

3,000+

endemic plant species at risk

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Funding Progress$22.1k / $40.0k

55% funded

Quick Stats

StatusNear Threatened
RegionSouthern Africa
Population trendStable