SQUARE-MOUTHED RHINOCEROS 125 



There are two horns growing from the upper surface 

 of the face ; these horns are not attached to the skull, 

 nor are they of bony growth. 



The feet have three toes, each provided with a broad 

 hoof. The number of teeth varies considerably, ranging 

 from 28 to 38. Trouessart separates the two African 

 species into a genus of their own, Diceros, retaining 

 Bhinoceros for the Asiatic animals. 



Diceros simus. Square-mouthed Rhinoceros. 

 Witte Bhenoster. 



This animal — commonly known as the White Ehino — 

 is now very scarce, being at present only found in Zululand 

 (where it is even uncommon and where a special reserve 

 exists for its preservation), parts of Rhodesia and Central 

 Africa. Formerly it was common in Bechuanaland and 

 Mashonaland. This is by far the largest of the two 

 Ehinos found in South Africa, and is indeed the second 

 largest terrestrial mammal alive to-day ; it is further 

 distinguished by its slightly paler (slaty) coloration and 

 square upper lip. The tail is provided with a tuft of stiff 

 bristly hair. There are two horns on the face which vary 

 much in size and shape. The total length of the head 

 and body is about 13 feet ; tail 2 feet. Height at shoulder 

 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 6 inches. Length of front horn 

 35 to 50 inches. Record 62-^ inches ; rear horn 17'8 

 inches. 



The White Rhino is found in open grass veld and is of 

 somewhat solitary habit. It feeds at night or during the 

 early mornings, and evenings after sunset, and sleeps 

 during the hot part of the day. Its pace is fair for the 

 bulk of the animal, but no match for a horse. The food 

 of this species consists entirely of grass. Its sight is bad 

 but its hearing and scent are correspondingly good. Only 

 one young one is born at a time. 



