White Rhinos | 25 Feb 2025

Source: PhysOrg 

The northern white rhino is functionally extinct, with only 2 females remaining. However, In-vitro fertilization (IVF) advancements have raised hope, with 36 embryos ready for implantation to help save the subspecies. 

• IVF: IVF is a fertility treatment where an egg is fertilized outside the body and the embryo is implanted into the female’s uterus. 

White Rhino: 

• About: 
  • White rhinos are the 2nd largest land mammal after the elephant.  
  • They are also called square-lipped rhinoceroses due to their broad upper lip, and are not actually white. 
• Subspecies & IUCN Status: 
  • Northern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni): Critically Endangered 
  • Southern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum): Near Threatened 

• Habitat: 
  • Southern White Rhinos: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.  
  • Northern white Rhinos:  Now survive only in captivity in Kenya. 
• Social Behavior: They are semi-social and territorial, with males defending their territories (mark their territory with dung) and females roaming larger areas. 
  • Southern White Rhinos are more social, forming larger herds, while Northern White Rhinos have smaller groups. 
• Diet: Purely herbivorous, feeding on short grasses. 
• Threats: Poaching, Habitat loss, Low genetic diversity (especially in northern white rhinos), and climate change, which alters their habitat and water sources.