Colin McCluney

Are rhinos a prey species?

No natural predators

Rhinos are very strong and large, so they don’t have any natural predators. But their babies, called calves, are at risk from animals like lions, leopards, and crocodiles. Even though rhinos are big, they still need to be careful!

Dave Back

How do rhinos talk to one another?

They use dung to communicate!

Rhinos have a unique way of talking to each other – they use their dung! They leave piles of dung to mark their territory and send messages to other rhinos. They can even tell if another rhino is a male or female, or if they’re ready to mate, just by the scent!

Gary Bushell

How do rhinos protect their skin?

They love mud baths

Rhinos have thick skin, but it can still get sunburned! To protect themselves, they love to roll around in mud. The mud keeps them cool and helps protect their skin from insects and the hot sun.

Gary Thomas

Why are rhinos friends with birds?

Birds get a free ride!

Rhinos and birds have a great friendship! Small birds called oxpeckers love riding on rhinos. They eat bugs and ticks from the rhino’s skin and even help warn them of danger by making loud calls when something’s nearby.

Image credit Mark Cawardine

How many species of rhino are there?

20 different species

There are 20 different species of rhinos, but only five still exist today! The black rhino and the greater one-horned rhino are two species that are protected by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF). They’re working hard to help keep these rhinos safe!

Andrew Hawrylyszyn

What is a baby rhino called?

Baby rhinos are called calves!

When rhinos are born, they’re called calves! They stay with their mothers for a few years. After birth, they can stand and walk right away, but they need their mom’s protection and care to grow strong.

Image credit Gary Bushell

Why do rhinos need protecting?

They’re an umbrella species

Rhinos are called “umbrella species” because by protecting them, we also help protect other animals and plants in their habitats. Rhinos make a big difference in their ecosystem, and by keeping them safe, we can ensure a healthier environment for many other species!

Enjoying learning about rhinos? We have more rhino facts for you here.

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Rhinos need our help

Rhinos are in danger, and their biggest threat comes from humans. Poaching, the illegal hunting of rhinos for their horns, is causing their population to decline rapidly. We need to act fast to protect these magnificent animals!

Climate change and rhinos

Climate change is making life harder for rhinos. Hotter temperatures and less rain mean they can struggle to find food, water, and cool places to rest. Too much rain in some areas can also cause floods that put rhinos in danger.

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
How DSWF helps rhinos

DSWF works hard to protect rhinos by funding research, monitoring their populations, and helping anti-poaching teams stop people from hunting rhinos for their horns.

Adopt a Rhino

You can make a difference by adopting a rhino today! Your adoption supports the work of DSWF to protect rhinos in the wild. Plus, when you adopt, you’ll receive a cuddly toy rhino to remind you of the important role you play in their conservation. Visit our Adopt a Rhino page to learn how you can help!