A Journey into the Wild Nature of Rhinos

Venturing into the wild to track Rhinos is an exhilarating adventure that brings you up close to one of nature's most iconic creatures.

With their impressive horns and sturdy builds, Rhinos symbolize strength, power, and resilience. The art of following and finding them has become a huge part in the conservation that keeps them safe from poaching.

The Status of Rhinos Today

Rhinos are facing significant threats, with several species critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. Here's a look at their current conservation status involving all species of Rhino still existing on earth:

Black Rhino: Critically Endangered

Javan Rhino: Critically Endangered

Sumatran Rhino: Critically Endangered

Greater One - Horned Rhino: Vulnerable

White Rhino: Near Threatened

These majestic animals are in dire need of protection, and dedicated conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure their survival.

Tracking Rhinos

Tracking Rhinos in their natural habitat is a unique and immersive experience. Guided by skilled rangers, you'll learn to read the signs and tracks left by these elusive giants.

Every sight, sound, and scent becomes a clue in your quest to find them. This hands - on experience not only enhances your appreciation for Rhinos but also underscores the importance of conserving their populations and habitats.

There are multiple reserve and national parks that has joined forces in guidance and education of these creatures by means of Rhino walks and tracking, offering the out of the ordinary experience to educate people on their importance in the natural world as well as to generate extra funding in conserving these prehistoric creatures.

Signs Left Behind by Rhinos

Middens: Rhinos use communal toilets called middens. Males mark their territory by defecating in these spots and spreading their dung to signal their presence.

This is done by the male especially in the White Rhinos, females defecate around the midden leaving messages for the males.

In Black Rhinos the female will also kick and spread their dung, perhaps a more solitary nature of living especially in certain parts makes them defend their own territory.

Tracks: Rhino tracks are distinctive. Black Rhino tracks feature three toes with a large middle toe, their side toes are slightly further away from the middle toe representing a more elongated track, while White Rhino tracks show a larger middle toe with closer outer toes. This makes the track appear slightly more rounded.

Dung: The diet of Rhinos influences their dung. White Rhino dung is dark and grassy, while Black Rhino dung is lighter and contains fibers and sticks from the shrubs and trees they eat.

Feeding: The way in which Rhinos feed can also be used as signs giving away the presence of Rhinos in an area, for the Black Rhino it is much easier as you can spot the feeding signs on the shrubs and trees they feed on.

The Black Rhinos molars and hooked lip allow them to bite of small chunks of branches on a 45 degree angle. It is normally visible at specific heights pointing back to the similar size of the Rhino feeding on it.

White rhino on the other hand feed on grass and with an experienced eye you can point out the feeding spots where grass has been mowed to a lower level than surrounding spots, giving away the presence of the bulk grazer.

The Symbolism of Rhinos

Rhinos are more than just physical giants; they are symbols of resilience and strength. Despite being hunted for their horns, Rhinos continue to stand as powerful icons of the wild.

Their presence in various cultures underscores their importance and the need to protect them from extinction. They are after all one of our oldest land mammals still alive to this date, thriving for the last 50 million years.

Habits and Habitats of Rhinos

Understanding the habits of Rhinos is key to tracking them. Like Elephants and Buffalo, Rhinos enjoy spending time near water sources.

They wallow in mud to protect their skin from the sun and remove parasites. By observing their paths to and from water and resting spots, trackers can anticipate their movements.

Often around waterholes you will find rubbing trees or posts, these are the spots they would visit to scratch or get rid of the smothered parasites, as a tracker or guide it would be another highly likely spot to find these animals after their visits to the mud spa.

Nature’s Helpers

Oxpecker birds are invaluable allies in tracking Rhinos. These birds feed on the parasites found on Rhinos, often signaling the presence of these large animals.

Hearing the calls of Oxpeckers can alert trackers to the nearby presence of Rhinos, adding another layer of excitement to the tracking experience.

Conclusion

Rhino tracking offers a profound way to connect with these magnificent creatures and understand the challenges they face.

Walking in their footsteps provides valuable insights into their behaviors and highlights the crucial conservation efforts needed to protect them.

This adventure is not just about finding Rhinos but also about experiencing the raw beauty of the wild and fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving our natural world.

About The Author

Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.

Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.

To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography    

More Things I Love Stories

For more articles about things I love you can click on the links below, there are so many great things amongst us to discover and learn about as they play a major role in nature as we see it today.

Acacia Gum: Click Here

Fly Fishing: Click Here

Birding: Click Here

Stars: Click Here

Sunsets: Click Here

Sunrise: Click Here

Kelp: Click Here

Beard Lichen: Click Here

Mountains: Click Here

Art and Meaning of Tracking: Click Here

Tracking Lions: Click Here

Comments, Suggestions, Stories

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