Northern White Rhinoceros

№ 01 of 100

Critically EndangeredMammal · Rhinoceros

Northern White Rhinoceros

Ceratotherium simum cottoni

Only two individuals remain on Earth — a mother and daughter — making this the rarest large mammal alive.

Estimated remaining 2 — both female Declining
Range
Kenya
Region
Africa
Habitat
Grassland and savannah (last two live under armed guard at Ol Pejeta Conservancy)

The story

Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos, graze under 24-hour armed protection in Kenya. With no males left, the subspecies is functionally extinct; scientists are racing to create embryos via IVF using preserved genetic material and southern white rhino surrogates.

What's killing them

  • Poaching for horn
  • Civil conflict across former range
  • Functionally extinct — no breeding pair

Who's fighting for them

Logos are the property of their respective organisations and link to their official sites.

Quick answers

How many Northern White Rhinoceross are left in the world?

Approximately 2 — both female. The Northern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.

Where does the Northern White Rhinoceros live?

The Northern White Rhinoceros is found in Kenya (Africa). Their habitat: Grassland and savannah (last two live under armed guard at Ol Pejeta Conservancy).

Why is the Northern White Rhinoceros endangered?

The main threats to the Northern White Rhinoceros are: Poaching for horn; Civil conflict across former range; Functionally extinct — no breeding pair.

Who is working to save the Northern White Rhinoceros?

Organisations working on Northern White Rhinoceros conservation include International Rhino Foundation; Save the Rhino International; Re:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation.