Reproduction

Permission from Richard Wainscoat (www.wainscoat.com) 2007

  •      The white rhino's reproductive cycle is fairly simple.  The female has a gestation period of about 16 months and much like humans will generally only produce one litter.  The baby rhino, also known as a calf, is usually up and around in about 3 days.  When getting ready to mate, the males have been known to folllow the females long distances to get her to accept him as her partner.  Sometimes playful horn fighting occurs but its usually just nudging or bumping.

 

  • After having a baby, the same female rhino won't have another one for about 2-3 years.  If they birthed more than one litter and/or had less time between births, it is very possible that with protection the white rhino might not be on the endangered species list anymore. 

 

  • Not only are rhinos the second biggest terrestrial animals, but they also can rival the life of humans.  Most rhinos can live between 25 and 50 years, however there are exceptions to every rule.  This is pretty amazing considering that they live in what most would call harder conditions.
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