Ceratotherium simum
ceratotherium simumAlso known as White Rhino, Square-lipped Rhinoceros, Square-lipped Rhino
White rhinoceroses are the largest of all five rhino species, spending up to half their day grazing on short grasses with their broad, square lips. Unlike their solitary relatives, these gentle giants are remarkably social, forming small groups called crashes that communicate through a complex vocabulary of grunts, snorts, and squeals. They rely heavily on mud wallows to cool their sensitive skin and protect themselves from biting insects.

- Short Grasses
- Sedges
- Humans
- Lions
- Spotted Hyenas
- OrderPerissodactyla
- FamilyRhinocerotidae
- GenusCeratotherium
- Speciesceratotherium simum
Native range in olive; established introduced range in rust.
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Can charge at high speeds if startled; maintain a safe distance and stay inside a vehicle.
- Why it is dangerous
- Weighing up to two tons, they can charge at speeds of 40 miles per hour when threatened or startled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a massive, double-horned snout, a prominent shoulder hump, and a broad, flat mouth.
- What to do
- Never approach on foot; if a rhino charges, seek immediate shelter behind a tree or large rock.
- What to notice
- Identified by their massive size, square lips, and tendency to gather in small social groups.
- Support conservation
- Never share real-time GPS coordinates of sightings online to protect them from poachers.
- Keep Distance: Maintain at least 100 meters of distance when observing on foot during safaris.
- Watch the Ears: Pay attention to rotating ears, which indicate the rhino is tracking your sounds.
- Stay Downwind: Keep downwind to avoid alerting them, as they have an exceptional sense of smell.
Found in Collections
Safari Ranger
Ceratotherium simum is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.






