Poaching of rhino horn for the production of traditional Chinese medicine is the greatest threat facing rhino today. Some young calves can fall prey to big cats, crocodiles and hyenas but the main factors affecting the rhinos wild population include the illegal rhino horn trade, habitat loss and political conflict. There are numerous threats that have contributed to the decline of the rhinos wild population, nearly all of which are caused by humans. This provides a protection layer and as the liquid evaporates it reduces the temperature of the skin. The rhino will do this by wallowing in pools of water or mud and coating themselves almost entirely if possible. As the rhino live in a very hot environment it has to be able to keep itself cool.
In other areas the skin can be thin enough for a mosquito to draw blood. The skin of the rhino can be up to an inch thick in places providing a good defence against attacks from other rhinos or predators. They are able to run up to speeds of 45kph for short periods of time and despite their appearance, are very agile animals.
The ability to move its cone shaped ears independently along with olfactory senses allows the rhino to be aware of the presence of predators and other rhinos effectively. However, they compensate for this by having an excellent sense of smell and good hearing. They have very poor eyesight, they can see a moving object at a distance of around 100 metres but only approximately 50 metres for a stationary object. They have a very large head that is supported by a huge muscle mass that forms a hump over their shoulders and they will only look up when alarmed. The southern white rhino is the largest and considered to be the most placid of all the rhinoceros family.
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