The southern white rhino is the largest rhino species on Earth, with males weighing more than 5,000 pounds. Once reduced to fewer than 100 individuals, it is considered one of conservation’s greatest success stories, rebounding through decades of protection and management. If only we could say the same for the northern white rhinos. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 24-70mm (at 69mm) ISO 2200, f/5.6 at 1/640th of a second.
You said it is considered a great success story vs the northern white rhino. How many southern white rhinos are there now and what is the status of the northern white rhinos?
Hi Clint, there are only two northern white rhinos left in the world. They are in a protected section of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. We see them occasionally on our trips. It’s a mother and her daughter so no chance for recovery of the species. Southern whites were down to 100 individuals in the late 19th century but are now at between 15,000 to 18,000..
Thank you Clint, for you question and Sean, for your update on the status of these magnificent animals. To see one in the wild is truly a blessing. That they are killed for their tusks for some deranged and unfounded notion that they provide health or sexual benefits is simply disgusting, especially in this age of informed medicine. Kudos to all that work so hard in dangerous conditions to protect these creatures, as well as elephants hunted for their ivory.
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The southern white rhino is the largest rhino species on Earth, with males weighing more than 5,000 pounds. Once reduced to fewer than 100 individuals, it is considered one of conservation’s greatest success stories, rebounding through decades of protection and management. If only we could say the same for the northern white rhinos. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 24-70mm (at 69mm) ISO 2200, f/5.6 at 1/640th of a second.
You said it is considered a great success story vs the northern white rhino. How many southern white rhinos are there now and what is the status of the northern white rhinos?
Hi Clint, there are only two northern white rhinos left in the world. They are in a protected section of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. We see them occasionally on our trips. It’s a mother and her daughter so no chance for recovery of the species. Southern whites were down to 100 individuals in the late 19th century but are now at between 15,000 to 18,000..
Thank you Clint, for you question and Sean, for your update on the status of these magnificent animals. To see one in the wild is truly a blessing. That they are killed for their tusks for some deranged and unfounded notion that they provide health or sexual benefits is simply disgusting, especially in this age of informed medicine. Kudos to all that work so hard in dangerous conditions to protect these creatures, as well as elephants hunted for their ivory.
Yes, thank you for the information on the white rhinos.